Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallsnout tonguesole (Symphurus microrhynchus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Oceania: Australia, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Viet Nam, Tanzania
Description
The Smallsnout tonguesole is a tonguesole (Cynoglossidae) from sand and mud bottoms of coastal and deeper water around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly flattened, tongue-shaped body with both small eyes on the left side, a hooked snout and confluent fins. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried and searches for small crustaceans, worms and bottom animals. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smallsnout tonguesole?
The Smallsnout tonguesole has a flatfish-shaped body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Smallsnout tonguesole live?
The Smallsnout tonguesole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Viet Nam, Tanzania
How big does the Smallsnout tonguesole get?
The Smallsnout tonguesole grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Smallsnout tonguesole dangerous to humans?
No, the Smallsnout tonguesole is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Symphurus
More from the family Cynoglossidae
Want the complete picture on the Smallsnout tonguesole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallsnout tonguesole is one of 12,519 species in the app.