| Taxon | Cynoglossidae |
|---|---|
| Authority | Jordan, 1888 |
| Subdivision ranks | Subfamilies and genera |
| Subdivision | Subfamily Cynoglossinae Subfamily Symphurinae |
Tonguefishes are flatfish in the family Cynoglossidae. They are distinguished by the presence of a long hook on the snout overhanging the mouth, and the absence of pectoral fins. Their eyes are both on the left side of their bodies, which also lack a pelvic fin.[1] This family has three genera with a total of more than 140 species. The largest reaches a length of 66 cm (26 in), though most species only reach half that size or less.[2][3][4] They are found in tropical and subtropical oceans, mainly in shallow waters and estuaries, though some species are found in deep sea floors,[5] and even a few in rivers.
Symphurus thermophilus lives congregating around "ponds" of sulphur at hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. No other flatfish is known from hydrothermal vents.[6] Scientists are unsure of the mechanism that allows the fish to survive and even thrive in such a hostile environment.[7]
See also
References
- ^ Encyclopedia of Fishes. San Diego: Academic Press. 1998. p. 225. ISBN 0-12-547665-5.
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- ^ Munroe, Thomas A. & Marsh, Barnaby N. (1997). "Taxonomic status of three nominal species of Indo-Pacific symphurine tonguefishes (Symphurus: Cynoglossidae: Pleuronectiformes)". Ichthyological Research. 44 (2–3): 189–200. doi:10.1007/BF02678697. S2CID 46661658. Retrieved 2015-11-01.
- ^ Munroe, Thomas A. & Hashimoto, Jun (1 August 2008). "A new Western Pacific Tonguefish (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae): The first Pleuronectiform discovered at active Hydrothermal Vents". Zootaxa. 1839: 43–59. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.1839.1.2
- ^ Amos, Jonathan (14 December 2006). "Fish dance on sulphur cauldrons". BBC News. Retrieved 25 May 2010.