Smooth flounder
📖 Overview
Occurs in coastal waters and brackish water of estuaries and lagoons , also ascending rivers and entering freshwater . Feeds on fish, shrimps and crabs .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 80 - 87; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 59 - 65. Diagnosis: body oval, its depth 45-50% SL . Head length 27-31% SL; eye diameter 16-23% HL; teeth in a single row on upper as well as lower jaw, no caniniform teeth . Interorbital space narrow and slightly concave . Hind end of maxilla extending to below centre of eye but never posterior to posterior edge of pupil . Fin base length of both pelvic fins short and of about equal length . Body covered with cycloid or weakly ctenoid scales . Gill rakers moderately long and slender , about 2/3-3/4 length of gill filaments at angle of gill arch . Coloration: eyed side yellowish brown with dark spots along dorsal and anal fins; dark brown spot at base of caudal fin, as well as on upper and lower caudal fin rays; dorsal and anal fins with a series of dark brown spots; blind side entirely whitish .: short and / or deep; Cross section: flattened.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Smooth flounder is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Smooth flounder is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Oviparous . Females produce numerous eggs in multiple spawnings during a prolonged spawning period .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; depth range 0 - 50 m . Tropical; 21°N - 18°S, 26°W - 20°E
🌿 Ecology
fish, shrimps and crabs (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Smooth flounder is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 167 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Smooth flounder has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Smooth Flounder |
| 🇫🇷French | Perpeire Lisse |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Lenguado Liso |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 斯氏副棘鮃 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citarichthys stamfli | Steindachner | 1894 | Synonym |
| Hemirhombus stampflii | Steindachner | 1894 | Synonym |
| Syacium stamplii | Steindachner | 1894 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 723 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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