Tonguefish

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File:A preserved tongue sole at the lab.jpg
A preserved tongue sole at a lab

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 Script error: No such module "convert"., 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

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