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Marley's tonguesole (Cynoglossus marleyi) — Cynoglossidae

Marley's tonguesole

Cynoglossus marleyi
Family: Cynoglossidae

The Marley's tonguesole (Cynoglossus marleyi) is a saltwater fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Mozambique, South Africa

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Description

The Marley's tonguesole is a tonguesole (Cynoglossidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the western Indian Ocean off southern Africa. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly flattened, tongue-shaped body with both eyes on the left side, a down-curved mouth and a finely mottled, brown upper side for camouflage. As a bottom-bound fish it lies half-buried in sand and mud and searches for small worms, crustaceans and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Marley's tonguesole?

The Marley's tonguesole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Marley's tonguesole live?

The Marley's tonguesole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Mozambique, South Africa

How big does the Marley's tonguesole get?

The Marley's tonguesole grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Marley's tonguesole dangerous to humans?

No, the Marley's tonguesole 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
Marley's tonguesole sourced
Scientific name
Cynoglossus marleyi
Family
Cynoglossidae
Other names
Threeline tonguesole; Threeline tonguefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Flatfish sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Mozambique, South Africa 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

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
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 Cynoglossus

More from the family Cynoglossidae

Fin

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