Mexican flounder
📖 Overview
Mexican flounder (Cyclopsetta chittendeni) is a ray-finned fish of the family Paralichthyidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 39 cm. It occurs at depths between 20 and 150 metres. With a trophic level of 4.4, it is an apex predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 82 - 90; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 63 - 69. Body is oval, moderately elongate. Dorsal fin originates distinctly anterior to a vertical at front of the eyes. Eyes on left side, not large, their diameter is 5 - 5.9 times the head length. The interorbital space is narrow, less than half the eye diameter. Lateral line on eyed side is not steeply arched above pectoral fin. The mouth is large extending slightly beyond the posterior margin of the eyes. Caudal fin is rounded. Color is brown with a large blotch beneath pectoral fin. The dorsal and anal fins have a row of dark spots containing pale areas,. Two spots on the dorsal and a few on the anal are large. The caudal fin has three large dark spots at the posterior border, none on center of the fin. Number of ovaries: 2. Ovaries are symmetrical, lie parallel with each other, depressed cross-sectionally and extra-visceral in location .: short and / or deep; Cross section: flattened.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mexican flounder is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mexican flounder is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Number of ovaries: 2. Ovaries are symmetrical, lie parallel with each other, depressed cross-sectionally and extra-visceral in location .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 20 - 150 m . Subtropical; 30°N - 26°S, 98°W - 34°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclopsetta decussata | Gunter | 1946 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 50 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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