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🌊 Marine Near Threatened 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Canary tonguesole

Cynoglossus canariensis Steindachner, 1882
Max Length
60 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.6
Depth
10–300 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Typical Length
45 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Canary tonguesole (Cynoglossus canariensis), first described by Steindachner, 1882 is a large fish in the family Cynoglossidae (order Pleuronectiformes). Adults typically reach 60.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 10 to 300 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Near Threatened.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Cynoglossidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.

Scientific Name
Cynoglossus canariensis
Authority
Steindachner, 1882
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
NT
Max Length
60 cm
Depth Range
10–300 m
Latitude
9°S – 30°N
Trophic Level
3.6
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Diagnosis: 10-13, exceptionally 14, transversal scales between the mid-lateral line and the margino-dorsal lateral line .: elongated; Cross section: flattened.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Canary tonguesole is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

Size at Maturity
34cm TL

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 10 - 300 m . Tropical; 30°N - 9°S, 18°W - 13°E Central Atlantic: Mauritania and the Canary Islands to Angola (9°20'S).

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.6±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00331 × L3.11 (TL)
Max TL
60cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Near Threatened
Assessment Date
2014

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
36.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.6
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
30°N – 9°S
Described By
Steindachner, 1882

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Canary tonguesole is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 18.3 g
Omega-3 (total) 127 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Canary tonguesole has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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