Fin's Fish Guide
The Senegalese tonguesole (Cynoglossus senegalensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 67 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The Senegalese tonguesole is a long, tongue-shaped flatfish of the family Cynoglossidae (tonguefishes) reaching about 66 cm. The narrow, rearward-tapering body has a rounded, hook-shaped snout; the dorsal, tail and anal fins merge into a continuous fringe. Both eyes lie close together on the left side. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of turbid coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. With its fine flesh it is a valued commercial fish in West Africa, heavily landed by coastal fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Senegalese tonguesole?
The Senegalese tonguesole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Long, tongue-shaped flatfish with a rounded, hook-shaped snout; the dorsal, caudal and anal fins run continuously into one another.
Where does the Senegalese tonguesole live?
The Senegalese tonguesole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Senegalese tonguesole get?
The Senegalese tonguesole grows to a maximum of about 67 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Senegalese tonguesole dangerous to humans?
No, the Senegalese tonguesole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Senegalese tonguesole edible?
Yes, the Senegalese tonguesole is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Cynoglossus
More from the family Cynoglossidae
Want the complete picture on the Senegalese tonguesole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Senegalese tonguesole is one of 12,519 species in the app.