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Flatfish (Pseudorhombus malayanus) — Paralichthyidae

Flatfish

Pseudorhombus malayanus
LC · Least Concern

The Flatfish (Pseudorhombus malayanus) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20.0–27.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Malayan flounder is a left-eyed flatfish of the family Paralichthyidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 35 cm; both eyes lie on the left side and the eyed side bears a mottled camouflage pattern. It is found on the muddy and sandy trawling grounds of the continental shelf, at depths of about 20 to 27 m, where it waits half-buried for prey. The diet consists of bottom organisms. The species is caught commercially and usually sold fresh at market. Through its bottom-bound, camouflaged habits it hardly stands out in its surroundings.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Flatfish?

The Flatfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Flatfish live?

The Flatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Flatfish get?

The Flatfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Flatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Flatfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Flatfish edible?

Yes, the Flatfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Maleise bot sourced
English name
Flatfish verified
Scientific name
Pseudorhombus malayanus
Family
Paralichthyidae
Other names
Flounder; Malayan flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
27.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemtrawl; doorgaans vers op de markt. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pseudorhombus

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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