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Fantail flounder (Xystreurys liolepis) — Paralichthyidae

Fantail flounder

Xystreurys liolepis
LC · Least Concern

The Fantail flounder (Xystreurys liolepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 64 cm.

Length
63.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–79.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The fantail sole is a lefteye flatfish of the sand flounder family (Paralichthyidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a flattened, oval body with both eyes on the left side and a mottled upper surface that camouflages it on the bottom. It inhabits mud and sand bottoms at 4.6 to 79 m deep, where it usually buries itself. It feeds almost exclusively on crustaceans. It is marketed fresh. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fantail flounder?

The Fantail flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Fantail flounder live?

The Fantail flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Fantail flounder get?

The Fantail flounder grows to a maximum of about 64 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Fantail flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Fantail flounder is harmless to humans.

Is the Fantail flounder edible?

Yes, the Fantail flounder is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Waaierstaart-bot sourced
English name
Fantail flounder verified
Scientific name
Xystreurys liolepis
Family
Paralichthyidae
Other names
Fantail sole verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
63.5 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
79.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Xystreurys

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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