Tonguefish
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Tonguefish
Tonguefish on the seabed. Tonguefish (family Cynoglossidae) are often found mainly in brackish water, such as where rivers flow into the sea, but a few species are found in deep sea floors. They are thought to mimic toxic flatworms, both in the way they are marked and how they crawl across the bottom. They are distinguished by the presence of a long hook on the snout overhanging the mouth, and the absence of pectoral fins. Photographed in the Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6295481
© MATTHEW OLDFIELD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Bottom Colors Creature Creatures Flat Fish Indo Pacific Indonesia Lembeh Strait Markings Mimicry Sea Bed Sea Floor Southeast Asia Sulawesi Vertebrates Warning
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable creature known as the Tonguefish, gracefully resting on the seabed. Belonging to the Cynoglossidae family, these unique fish are commonly found in brackish water environments where rivers meet the sea. However, some species have adapted to survive in the depths of the ocean floor. Tonguefish possess an intriguing ability to mimic toxic flatworms both through their distinct markings and their method of crawling across the bottom. What sets them apart is their elongated snout adorned with a long hook that extends over their mouth, while lacking pectoral fins. Captured in all its glory within Indonesia's Lembeh Strait, this photograph offers a glimpse into one of nature's wonders beneath the waves. The vibrant colors and intricate markings adorning this solitary creature emphasize its beauty and uniqueness. The Tonguefish serves as a testament to nature's incredible diversity and adaptation strategies. Its presence highlights how organisms can evolve specific traits for survival purposes, such as mimicking other toxic creatures for protection against predators. As we delve deeper into marine biology and explore Southeast Asia's rich biodiversity, photographs like these from Science Photo Library remind us of our responsibility to appreciate and protect our oceans' fragile ecosystems.
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