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Maldive flounder (Engyprosopon maldivensis) — Bothidae

Maldive flounder

Engyprosopon maldivensis
Family: Bothidae

The Maldive flounder (Engyprosopon maldivensis) is a fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The Maldive flounder is a left-eyed flatfish (Bothidae) from sand and mud bottoms of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a flat, oval body with both eyes on the left side; the top is sandy mottled for camouflage, the underside white. As a bottom-bound ambush hunter it lies half-buried and seizes small fish, crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Maldive flounder?

The Maldive flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Maldive flounder live?

The Maldive flounder is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Maldive flounder get?

The Maldive flounder grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Maldive flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Maldive 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Maldive flounder sourced
Scientific name
Engyprosopon maldivensis
Family
Bothidae
Other names
Olive wide-eyed; Olive wide-eyed flounder

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
10 inferred
Body shape
Flatfish sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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 Engyprosopon

More from the family Bothidae

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