Symphurus
A genus of sinistral flatfishes with merged fins and no lateral line.
Last updated
Williams, J. T.; Carpenter, K. E.; Van Tassell, J. L.; Hoetjes, P.; Toller, W.; Etnoyer, P.; Smith, M. · via Wikipedia: Symphurus · CC BY 2.5
Symphurus is a genus of fish in the family Cynoglossidae, found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Most species occur in relatively shallow water, including estuaries, though some are found in deeper water. These sinistral flatfishes have both eyes on the left side as adults, with asymmetrical crania.
Scientific classification
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumChordata
- ClassActinopterygii
- DivisionTeleostei
- OrderCarangiformes
- SuborderPleuronectoidei
- FamilyCynoglossidae
- GenusSymphurus
Named by Rafinesque, 1810
Sources: Wikipedia taxobox: Symphurus (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick Facts
- Type species
- Symphurus nigrescens
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Symphurus species are distinguished by their merged dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, the absence of a lateral line and pectoral fins, and the presence of only one pelvic fin. As adults, they are sinistral flatfishes, meaning their crania are asymmetrical with both eyes on the left side.
The largest species grows to about 32 cm long. Most species mainly occur in relatively shallow water, including estuaries, but some are also found in deeper water. Notably, S. thermophilus lives at hydrothermal vents, the only flatfish known from this habitat.
Reader's Guide
The genus Symphurus is notable for its unique morphological traits among flatfishes, including the complete absence of a lateral line and pectoral fins, and the presence of a single pelvic fin. Its sinistral asymmetry, with both eyes on the left side, is a defining characteristic. The genus includes 78 recognized species, with a wide distribution across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
While most species inhabit shallow waters and estuaries, the discovery of S. thermophilus at hydrothermal vents represents a significant ecological adaptation, as it is the only flatfish known from such an extreme environment. This highlights the genus's ecological diversity and its ability to occupy a range of habitats from coastal zones to deep-sea vents. The species within Symphurus exhibit a variety of common names, often reflecting their coloration or geographic origin, such as the Caribbean tonguefish, California tonguefish, and Western Pacific tonguefish.
More in Marine Fish Genera
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Symphurus (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Word definitions: the Codexery glossary, each quoted from its Wikipedia article.
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