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Fringed flounder (Xystreurys rasile) — Paralichthyidae

Fringed flounder

Xystreurys rasile
LC · Least Concern

The Fringed flounder (Xystreurys rasile) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5–150 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southwest Atlantic
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The fringed flounder is a flatfish from the southwest Atlantic, along Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) and Argentina (Patagonia). The species grows to about 40 cm and has the typical asymmetric flatfish body with both eyes on one side. As a bottom-dweller it lives on the continental shelf between about 5 and 150 metres depth and migrates to spawning grounds in spring and to feeding grounds further offshore in autumn. It feeds on amphipods, small crabs and bristle worms. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fringed flounder?

The Fringed flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Asymmetrical flatfish body; seasonal migration between spawning and feeding grounds

Where does the Fringed flounder live?

The Fringed flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic

How big does the Fringed flounder get?

The Fringed flounder grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Fringed flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Fringed flounder is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Fringed flounder edible?

Yes, the Fringed flounder is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fringed flounder verified
Scientific name
Xystreurys rasile
Family
Paralichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Flatfish verified
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater verified
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom verified
Min depth (m)
5 sourced
Max depth (m)
150 sourced
Natural range
Southwest Atlantic verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Amphipods, small crabs and polychaetes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Migratory bottom-dwelling flatfish; spawns in spring. sourced
Special features
Asymmetrical flatfish body; seasonal migration between spawning and feeding grounds sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing over sandy ground sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Xystreurys

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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