Tonguefishes | |
---|---|
Northern tonguefish, Symphurus pusillus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Pleuronectiformes |
Family: |
Cynoglossidae Jordan, 1888 |
Subfamilies & Genera [1] | |
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. [2] 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. [3] [4] [5] They are found in tropical and subtropical oceans, mainly in shallow waters and estuaries, though some species are found in deep sea floors, [6] 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. [7] Scientists are unsure of the mechanism that allows the fish to survive and even thrive in such a hostile environment. [8]
Tonguefishes | |
---|---|
Northern tonguefish, Symphurus pusillus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Pleuronectiformes |
Family: |
Cynoglossidae Jordan, 1888 |
Subfamilies & Genera [1] | |
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. [2] 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. [3] [4] [5] They are found in tropical and subtropical oceans, mainly in shallow waters and estuaries, though some species are found in deep sea floors, [6] 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. [7] Scientists are unsure of the mechanism that allows the fish to survive and even thrive in such a hostile environment. [8]