Fin's Fish Guide
The Imperial scaldfish (Arnoglossus imperialis) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Scotland to Namibia, including the western Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The imperial scaldfish is a small, left-eyed flatfish of the family Bothidae reaching about 25 cm. The slender, laterally compressed body has a long dorsal fin running along almost the entire upper edge. The species is sexually dimorphic: males have a distinct black spot at the rear of the pelvic fin, while females show only a faint grey mark. The imperial scaldfish lives on sand, mud and shell bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, from Scotland to Namibia, and the western Mediterranean, usually between 40 and 200 m. It feeds on small bottom animals and has only minor commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Imperial scaldfish?
The Imperial scaldfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small, left-eyed flatfish; males with a distinct black blotch at the rear of the pelvic fin, females with a faint grey blotch.
Where does the Imperial scaldfish live?
The Imperial scaldfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Scotland to Namibia, including the western Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Imperial scaldfish get?
The Imperial scaldfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Imperial scaldfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Imperial scaldfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Imperial scaldfish edible?
The Imperial scaldfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Imperial scaldfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arnoglossus
More from the family Bothidae
Want the complete picture on the Imperial scaldfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Imperial scaldfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.