Fin's Fish Guide
The Toothed flounder (Cyclopsetta querna) is a brackish-water fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 39 cm.
Description
The toothed flounder is a left-eyed flatfish (Paralichthyidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has an oval, flattened body with both eyes on the left side, a large mouth with strong teeth and a sand-coloured, mottled upper side. It inhabits soft bottoms, from the vicinity of mangroves to about 29 m deep. As an ambush hunter it lies partly buried and springs on large benthic prey, especially fishes and crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Toothed flounder?
The Toothed flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Large mouth with strong teeth; left-eyed ambush predator that pounces on large prey from the sand.
Where does the Toothed flounder live?
The Toothed flounder lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; soft bottoms from the coast to ~29 m.
How big does the Toothed flounder get?
The Toothed flounder grows to a maximum of about 39 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Toothed flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Toothed flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Toothed flounder edible?
Yes, the Toothed flounder is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyclopsetta
More from the family Paralichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Toothed flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Toothed flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.