Cynoglossus capensis, commonly known as the Cape tongue sole, is a species of flatfish belonging to the family Cynoglossidae. It is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 31.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
Cynoglossus capensis is characterized by its flattened body shape, typical of flatfish, with both eyes situated on the right side of its head. It possesses a long, slender body with a slightly pointed snout and a relatively small mouth. The dorsal fin extends along the entire length of the body, while the anal fin is also elongated, reaching almost to the tail fin.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cynoglossus capensis is found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, primarily along the coast of South Africa. Its preferred habitat is sandy bottoms, often in shallow coastal waters. This species is primarily a demersal fish, meaning it lives on the seabed and is commonly found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to around 200 meters. Cynoglossus capensis is frequently encountered in the neritic zone, which is the marine zone extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Cynoglossus capensis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Pleuronectiformes, and Family: Cynoglossidae. This family, commonly known as the tongue soles, encompasses a diverse group of flatfishes characterized by their elongated, narrow bodies and their tendency to burrow into the seabed. The Order Pleuronectiformes encompasses all flatfishes, known for their unique adaptation of having both eyes on one side of their head. These fishes are further classified within the Class Teleostei, which represents the largest and most diverse group of bony fishes.
Feeding
Cynoglossus capensis is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, polychaetes, and mollusks. They utilize their sensory organs to detect prey buried in the sand and use their protrusible mouths to ingest their food. This feeding strategy allows Cynoglossus capensis to thrive in its preferred sandy habitat, effectively utilizing the available resources within this ecosystem.
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