Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body oval, elongated, tongue-shaped; flattened laterally; left-eyed (eyes on left side of body); color brown with diffused vertical banding; dark patch on gill plate; head rounded; caudal (tail) fin continuous with dorsal and anal fins, pointed. |
Similar Species |
Only tonguefish found in bays; no other "common" tonguefishes found offshore. Differs from other flatfish by having the dorsal and anal fins continuous with the tail fin. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, prefers sandy or muddy bottoms. |
Maximum Size |
21 cm (8 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 85-92; A. 70-77 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |