Fin's Fish Guide
The Pelican flounder (Chascanopsetta lugubris) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Widespread in deep water of warm and temperate seas worldwide, on soft bottoms of the continental slope area.
Description
The pelican flounder is a remarkable deep-water flatfish of the family Bothidae (lefteye flounders) reaching about 40 cm. Both eyes lie on the left side. The body is thin, pale and almost translucent, but the head bears an extraordinarily large mouth with a huge, expandable throat pouch reminiscent of a pelican's - hence the name. With it the fish scoops up small fish and crustaceans on the bottom. The species lives on soft bottoms of the continental slope of warm and temperate seas worldwide. Because of its deep lifestyle it is only rarely seen and has no fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pelican flounder?
The Pelican flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Deep-water left-eyed flounder with a thin, pale body and an extraordinarily large mouth with an enormous, expandable throat pouch, like that of a pelican.
Where does the Pelican flounder live?
The Pelican flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Widespread in deep water of warm and temperate seas worldwide, on soft bottoms of the continental slope area.
How big does the Pelican flounder get?
The Pelican flounder grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Pelican flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Pelican flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pelican flounder edible?
The Pelican flounder is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
More from the family Bothidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pelican flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.