Fin's Fish Guide
The Fringed flounder (Etropus crossotus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The fringed flounder is a small flatfish of the family Paralichthyidae (sand flounders) reaching about 21 cm. Both eyes lie on the left side of the head; the species takes its name from a fringed edge on the jaw of the blind (under) side. The brown upper side gives good camouflage on sand and mud bottoms, where the fish lies half-buried watching for prey. It lives over soft bottoms of coastal water and estuaries along the western Atlantic coast from the USA to Brazil and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it ambushes small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Because of its small size it has little commercial value and is mostly landed as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fringed flounder?
The Fringed flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small left-eyed flounder with a small mouth and a fringed edge on the blind side of the jaw; brown, well camouflaged on sand.
Where does the Fringed flounder live?
The Fringed flounder lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Fringed flounder get?
The Fringed flounder grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Fringed flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Fringed flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fringed flounder edible?
The Fringed flounder is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Etropus
More from the family Paralichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Fringed flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fringed flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.