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🌊 Marine Data Deficient 🌡️ Tropical

Natal tongue-fish

Cynoglossus acaudatus Gilchrist, 1906
Max Length
14 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
15.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Natal tongue-fish (Cynoglossus acaudatus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cynoglossidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 14 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific Name
Cynoglossus acaudatus
Authority
Gilchrist, 1906
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
IUCN Status
DD
Max Length
14 cm
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
15.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 108 - 110; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 86 - 87; Vertebrae: 52 - 53. Upper side brown with irregular dark bars and blotches; no lateral line on blind side .: short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Natal tongue-fish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal. Tropical South Africa, including Seychelles.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.5±0.37
Food Items

benthic invertebrates (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01047 × L3.05 (TL)
Max TL
14cm
Dorsal Rays
109
Anal Rays
87
Vertebrae
53

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
15.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Gilchrist, 1906

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