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Longtail tonguesole (Symphurus pelicanus) — Cynoglossidae

Longtail tonguesole

Symphurus pelicanus
Family: Cynoglossidae

The Longtail tonguesole (Symphurus pelicanus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
24–133 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad Tobago, USA

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Description

The Longtail tonguesole is a tonguesole (Cynoglossidae) from sand and mud bottoms of the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a strongly flattened, tongue-shaped body with both eyes on the left side, a down-curved mouth and a finely mottled, brown upper side for camouflage. As a bottom-bound fish it lies half-buried and searches for small worms, crustaceans and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longtail tonguesole?

The Longtail tonguesole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Longtail tonguesole live?

The Longtail tonguesole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad Tobago, USA

How big does the Longtail tonguesole get?

The Longtail tonguesole grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Longtail tonguesole dangerous to humans?

No, the Longtail tonguesole 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
Longtail tonguesole sourced
Scientific name
Symphurus pelicanus
Family
Cynoglossidae
Other names
Longtail tonguefish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9 verified
Body shape
Flatfish sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
24 verified
Max depth (m)
133 verified
Natural range
North America: Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad Tobago, USA sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

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

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 Symphurus

More from the family Cynoglossidae

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