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Argus flounder (Pseudorhombus argus) — Paralichthyidae

Argus flounder

Pseudorhombus argus

The Argus flounder (Pseudorhombus argus) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
13.0–78.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Argus flounder is a left-eyed flatfish (Bothidae) from sand and mud bottoms around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a strongly flattened, oval body with both eyes on the left side; the upper side is sand-coloured and mottled for camouflage, the underside pale. As an ambush predator it lies half-buried on the bottom and seizes passing small fish, shrimp and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Argus flounder?

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

Where does the Argus flounder live?

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

How big does the Argus flounder get?

The Argus flounder grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.

Is the Argus flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Argus flounder is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Argus-tongbot sourced
English name
Argus flounder sourced
Scientific name
Pseudorhombus argus
Family
Paralichthyidae
Other names
Flounder; Peacock flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Average length (cm)
17.5 verified
Body shape
Flatfish sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
13.0 verified
Max depth (m)
78.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Pseudorhombus

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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