Fin's Fish Guide
The Scaldfish (Arnoglossus laterna) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The scaldfish is a small, thin flatfish of the family Bothidae reaching about 25 cm. Unlike plaice and sole the scaldfish is left-eyed: both eyes lie on the left side, which is brownish and spotted, while the underside is white and translucent. The scaling is thin and sheds easily, giving the species its unflattering name. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to two hundred metres. On the bottom it hunts small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its small size and thin body it has no culinary or commercial value, but it is a common inhabitant of sandy sea bottoms and prey for larger fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scaldfish?
The Scaldfish has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, thin, left-eyed flatfish with large eyes and a translucent, easily shed scaling.
Where does the Scaldfish live?
The Scaldfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Scaldfish get?
The Scaldfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Scaldfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Scaldfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Scaldfish edible?
The Scaldfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Scaldfish 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 Scaldfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scaldfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.