The peppered flounder (Paralichthodes algoensis) is a species of flatfish in the monotypic family Paralichthodidae and the only species in the monotypic genus Paralichthodes.[2][3] It is a demersal fish that lives on sandy and muddy bottoms in subtropical waters, at depths of up to 100 metres (330 ft). Its native habitat is the south-eastern Atlantic and the western Indian Ocean, specifically the African coastline from Mossel Bay, South Africa, to Delagoa Bay, Mozambique. It grows up to 50 centimetres (20 in) in length.[4][5]

Peppered flounder
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Pleuronectiformes
Family: Paralichthodidae
Regan, 1920
Genus: Paralichthodes
Gilchrist, 1902
Species:
P. algoensis
Binomial name
Paralichthodes algoensis
Gilchrist, 1902

Description

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The peppered flounder is a right-eyed flounder with an elongated, oval body. Its upper surface is brownish grey with small dark spots and its underside is white. The lateral line is equally developed on both sides. It has a relatively large, symmetrical mouth.[4][5]

References

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  1. ^ Munroe, T.A. (2017) [errata version of 2010 assessment]. "Paralichthodes algoensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T155183A115281773. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T155183A4738520.en. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  2. ^ Nelson, J. S. (2006). Fishes of the World (4 ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-471-25031-9.
  3. ^ J. S. Nelson; T. C. Grande; M. V. H. Wilson (2016). Fishes of the World (5th ed.). Wiley. p. 752. ISBN 978-1-118-34233-6.
  4. ^ a b Rainer Froese and Daniel Pauly, ed. (5 June 2009). "Paralichthodes algoensis". Fishbase. Retrieved 2009-06-24.
  5. ^ a b Evseenko, Sergei A. (February 2004). "Family Pleuronectidae Cuvier 1816 — righteye flounders" (PDF). Calif. Acad. Sci. Annotated Checklists of Fishes. 37: 37pp. Retrieved 2011-08-02.