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🌊 Marine Vulnerable 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Malabar tonguesole

Cynoglossus macrostomus Norman, 1928
Max Length
30 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
22.00/100
Typical Length
15 cm
Depth Zone

📖 Overview

Inhabits shallow muddy and sandy bottoms of the continental self, down to 25 m. Also found in midwaters in certain seasons of the year. Enters estuaries . Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, especially worms.

Scientific Name
Cynoglossus macrostomus
Authority
Norman, 1928
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
VU
Max Length
30 cm
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
22.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Malabar tonguesole is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Malabar tonguesole is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Size at Maturity
11.5cm TL

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; brackish; benthopelagic; non-migratory. Tropical Indian Ocean: restricted to the coast of India.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌿 Brackish
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.3±0.32
Food Items

benthic invertebrates, especially worms

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00372 × L2.93 (TL)
Max TL
30cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Vulnerable
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
22.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Norman, 1928

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Cynoglossus Macrostomus 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 17.5 g
Omega-3 (total) 130 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Malabar 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

👥 Community & Contribute

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