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Spottedfin tonguefish (Cynoglossus maculipinnis) — Cynoglossidae

Spottedfin tonguefish

Cynoglossus maculipinnis
Family: Cynoglossidae

The Spottedfin tonguefish (Cynoglossus maculipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–132.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Papua New Guinea

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Description

The Spottedfin tonguefish is a tonguefish (Cynoglossidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a flattened, elongate, leaf-shaped body tapering to a point at the rear, with both eyes on the left side and a down-curved snout. As a bottom-dweller it lies buried on sand and mud bottoms and snaps at small worms, crustaceans and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spottedfin tonguefish?

The Spottedfin tonguefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Spottedfin tonguefish live?

The Spottedfin tonguefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Papua New Guinea

How big does the Spottedfin tonguefish get?

The Spottedfin tonguefish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Spottedfin tonguefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Spottedfin tonguefish 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

English name
Spottedfin tonguefish sourced
Scientific name
Cynoglossus maculipinnis
Family
Cynoglossidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
132.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Papua New Guinea sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Cynoglossus

More from the family Cynoglossidae

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