Syacium papillosum

(Dusky Flounder)

Size

Maximum size 31cm (12")

Recognition Characters

Left-eyed Flounder; No large or distinguishable spots or patterns on the left side. May have some colorations on the right side. Sexually dimorphic: first two rays on the pectoral fin are elongated considerably and eyes are usually further apart.

Color

Brown, sometimes has spots and two lines from upper eye to snout, as well as one occasionally on top of head; Pectoral fin may have bars on it.

Habitat & Depth

Bottom dwellers; seldom on the reef, and more common on sand flats

Distribution at GRNMS

Uncommon

Geographic Range

North Carolina to Brazil

Behavior & Notes

Lie flat on the sand, sometimes covering themselves with a thin layer of sediment; can also change shades.

Synonyms

References