42. Cynoglossus macrostomus Norman, 1928

Malabar tongue sole (Figure 43)

Material examined: 1 ex.; 22.07.11; Shankarpur, Reg. No. MARC /ZSI/F3739 .

Description: Body flat and elongate, with dorsal and anal fins joined to caudal fin. Eyes on left side of body, with no space between them; snout short and obtusely pointed, rostral hook short, corner of mouth reaching well beyond lower eye, nearer to tip of snout than to gill opening. Two lateral lines on eyed side but none on blind side. Scales ctenoid (rough to touch) on both sides of body, moderately sized, 14 to 16 scale rows between lateral lines on eyed side. Colour light brown on eyed side with dark brown mottling forming diffuse, irregular crossbands; dorsal and anal fins grey.

Distribution: Indian ocean, restricted to coast of India.

Remarks: The fish has a commercial value. Size: 15cm.