Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth flounder (Citharichthys stampflii) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water, lagoons and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
Stampfli's flounder is a small, left-eyed flatfish of the family Paralichthyidae reaching about 18 cm. Both eyes lie on the left side, which is sandy-brown with dark spots; the underside is white. The species lives on sand bottoms of shallow coastal water, lagoons and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates strongly varying salinity. By day it presses against the bottom or 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 little commercial importance, though it comes up as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth flounder?
The Smooth flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, left-eyed flatfish with a sandy-brown, blotched eyed side; tolerates brackish water and enters estuaries and lagoons.
Where does the Smooth flounder live?
The Smooth flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water, lagoons and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Smooth flounder get?
The Smooth flounder grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Smooth flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smooth flounder edible?
The Smooth flounder is rarely eaten.
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Same genus Citharichthys
More from the family Paralichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.