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Pacific dwarf flounder (Etropus longimanus) — Paralichthyidae

Pacific dwarf flounder

Etropus longimanus

The Pacific dwarf flounder (Etropus longimanus) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–190.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

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Description

The Pacific dwarf flounder is a left-eyed flatfish (Paralichthyidae) from shallow sandy and coastal water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 12 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 Pacific dwarf flounder?

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

Where does the Pacific dwarf flounder live?

The Pacific dwarf flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

How big does the Pacific dwarf flounder get?

The Pacific dwarf flounder grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Pacific dwarf flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacific dwarf 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
Pacific dwarf flounder sourced
Scientific name
Etropus longimanus
Family
Paralichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.5 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
Max depth (m)
190.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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 Etropus

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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