Fin's Fish Guide
The Sand tonguefish (Cynoglossus capensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 31 cm.
Description
The sand tonguefish is a tonguesole (Cynoglossidae) from the west coast of southern Africa. The species reaches about 31 cm and has an oblong, tongue-shaped, strongly asymmetric flatfish body in which both eyes lie on the same (left) side and the snout hooks downward. It is usually found at less than 100 m depth, but also on the continental slope to about 450 m. It lives half-buried on soft bottoms and feeds on small bottom invertebrates. The species is caught mainly as bycatch. For lack of data the IUCN assesses it as data deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sand tonguefish?
The Sand tonguefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Tongue-shaped, strongly asymmetrical flatfish with a hook-shaped snout and both eyes on one side.
Where does the Sand tonguefish live?
The Sand tonguefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Atlantic, along the west coast of southern Africa.
How big does the Sand tonguefish get?
The Sand tonguefish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Sand tonguefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sand tonguefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sand tonguefish edible?
The Sand tonguefish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cynoglossus
More from the family Cynoglossidae
Want the complete picture on the Sand tonguefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sand tonguefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.