Fin's Fish Guide
The Thor's scaldfish (Arnoglossus thori) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
Thor's scaldfish is a small, left-eyed flatfish of the family Bothidae reaching about 18 cm. Both eyes lie on the left side, which is sandy-brown and usually bears two conspicuous dark spots; the thin, translucent skin is characteristic of the scaldfishes. In the male a few front dorsal-fin rays are elongated. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf of the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, where it presses against the bottom and partly buries itself. On the bottom it hunts small crustaceans and worms. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, though it regularly comes up as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thor's scaldfish?
The Thor's scaldfish has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, left-eyed flatfish with a few elongated front dorsal fin rays in the male and two conspicuous dark blotches on the eyed side.
Where does the Thor's scaldfish live?
The Thor's scaldfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Thor's scaldfish get?
The Thor's scaldfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Thor's scaldfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Thor's scaldfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Thor's scaldfish edible?
The Thor's scaldfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Thor's scaldfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arnoglossus
More from the family Bothidae
Want the complete picture on the Thor's scaldfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thor's scaldfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.