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American fourspot flounder (Hippoglossina oblonga) — Paralichthyidae

American fourspot flounder

Hippoglossina oblonga
LC · Least Concern

The American fourspot flounder (Hippoglossina oblonga) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 49 cm.

Length
49 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–311.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The American fourspot flounder is a left-eyed flatfish (family Paralichthyidae) of the north-western Atlantic. The species grows to about 49 cm and has an oval, strongly compressed, brown body with both eyes on the left side and four conspicuous eyespots on the eyed side, which give it its name. In the north of its range it occurs in bays and sounds, and farther south in progressively deeper water to 275 m or more off Florida. Its diet consists of small fishes, crustaceans and other invertebrates. The species is of commercial value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the American fourspot flounder?

The American fourspot flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the American fourspot flounder live?

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

How big does the American fourspot flounder get?

The American fourspot flounder grows to a maximum of about 49 cm.

Is the American fourspot flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the American fourspot flounder is harmless to humans.

Is the American fourspot flounder edible?

Yes, the American fourspot flounder is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zomervogel sourced
English name
American fourspot flounder verified
Scientific name
Hippoglossina oblonga
Family
Paralichthyidae
Other names
Fourspot flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
49.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
311.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hippoglossina

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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