Fin's Fish Guide
The Spottail spiny turbot (Psettodes belcheri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Psettodidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The spottail spiny turbot is a large, archaic flatfish of the family Psettodidae (spiny turbots) reaching about 80 cm. Unlike 'modern' flatfishes it has spines in the dorsal fin, a large, oblique mouth full of sharp teeth, and the eyes may lie on either the left or the right side - features of the most primitive flatfishes. The brown, blotched upper side gives camouflage on the bottom. The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. As a predatory ambush hunter it preys on fish, shrimps and crustaceans. With its firm, tasty flesh it is a valued commercial fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spottail spiny turbot?
The Spottail spiny turbot has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Large, primitive flatfish with a large mouth full of sharp teeth; the eyes can lie on the left or the right side and the dorsal fin bears spines.
Where does the Spottail spiny turbot live?
The Spottail spiny turbot lives in brackish water 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 Spottail spiny turbot get?
The Spottail spiny turbot grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Spottail spiny turbot dangerous to humans?
No, the Spottail spiny turbot is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spottail spiny turbot edible?
Yes, the Spottail spiny turbot is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Psettodes
More from the family Psettodidae
Want the complete picture on the Spottail spiny turbot?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spottail spiny turbot is one of 12,519 species in the app.