Shoal flounder (Syacium gunteri)

Scientific name: Syacium gunteri Ginsburg, 1933

Shoal flounder (Syacium gunteri)

The Shoal flounder (Syacium gunteri) is a marine fish of the family Paralichthyidae. Native range: Western Atlantic, northeastern Florida (USA), Gulf of Mexico, and the Antilles to Guyana.

Biology

Found between the shore and 100 m depth, on sand or mud bottoms rich in organic matter. Feed mainly on shrimps (Penaeidae), amphipods, crustacean larvae and annelids. The whole life cycle develops on the continental shelf. During reproduction in May and September, adults gather in shallow waters of the estuaries and along the coast. Sexual activity takes place during the rainy season which corresponds to quite a large influx of organic matter, thereby ensuring food for the breeding fish. Sexual dimorphism affects the interorbital width and pectoral fin length of the hidden side. Juveniles remain planktonic for a long time with a high growth rate of >5% per day.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Syacium gunteri
Family
Paralichthyidae (Large-tooth flounders)
Order
Pleuronectiformes (Flatfishes)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
20.0
Common length
15.0
Depth range
27–95 m (89–312 ft)
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 27 - 95 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Western Atlantic: northeastern Florida (USA), Gulf of Mexico, and the Antilles to Guyana.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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