Fin's Fish Guide
The Rüppell's scaldback (Arnoglossus rueppelii) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
Rüppell's scaldback is a small, left-eyed flatfish of the family Bothidae reaching about 15 cm. Both eyes lie on the left side, which is sandy-brown and bears a few dark spots; the thin, translucent skin through which the bones show is characteristic of the scaldfishes. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, where it presses against the bottom and partly buries itself. On the bottom it hunts small crustaceans and worms. Like all flatfish the young start symmetrical and, after metamorphosis, sink onto their side to the bottom. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, though it regularly comes up as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rüppell's scaldback?
The Rüppell's scaldback has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, left-eyed flatfish with a thin, translucent skin and a few dark blotches on the eyed side; typical of the scaldfishes.
Where does the Rüppell's scaldback live?
The Rüppell's scaldback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Rüppell's scaldback get?
The Rüppell's scaldback grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Rüppell's scaldback dangerous to humans?
No, the Rüppell's scaldback is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rüppell's scaldback edible?
The Rüppell's scaldback is not usually eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Rüppell's scaldback and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arnoglossus
More from the family Bothidae
Want the complete picture on the Rüppell's scaldback?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rüppell's scaldback is one of 12,519 species in the app.