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Dwarf flounder (Tarphops oligolepis) — Paralichthyidae

Dwarf flounder

Tarphops oligolepis

The Dwarf flounder (Tarphops oligolepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Dwarf flounder is a flatfish from shallow sandy and coastal water of the northwest Pacific around Japan. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a flat, oval body with both eyes on one side; the top is sandy-brown mottled for camouflage, the underside pale. As a bottom-bound ambush hunter it lies half-buried and seizes small fish, crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf flounder?

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

Where does the Dwarf flounder live?

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

How big does the Dwarf flounder get?

The Dwarf flounder grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Dwarf flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf flounder is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerg-bot sourced
English name
Dwarf flounder sourced
Scientific name
Tarphops oligolepis
Family
Paralichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
2.0 verified

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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