Fin's Fish Guide
The Guinean tonguesole (Cynoglossus monodi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The Guinean tonguesole is a long, tongue-shaped flatfish of the family Cynoglossidae (tonguefishes) reaching about 40 cm. The narrow, rearward-tapering body has a rounded, hook-shaped snout; the dorsal, tail and anal fins merge into a continuous fringe. Both eyes lie close together on the left side of the head. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of turbid coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. With its fine flesh it is a valued commercial fish in West Africa.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guinean tonguesole?
The Guinean tonguesole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Long, tongue-shaped flatfish with a rounded, hook-shaped snout; the dorsal, caudal and anal fins run continuously into one another.
Where does the Guinean tonguesole live?
The Guinean tonguesole lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Guinean tonguesole get?
The Guinean tonguesole grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Guinean tonguesole dangerous to humans?
No, the Guinean tonguesole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guinean tonguesole edible?
Yes, the Guinean tonguesole is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cynoglossus
More from the family Cynoglossidae
Want the complete picture on the Guinean tonguesole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guinean tonguesole is one of 12,519 species in the app.