Monolene atrimana

Monolene atrimana, Blackfin Flounder. Source: FAO 2002.
Monolene atrimana, Blackfin Flounder.
Source: FAO 2002.
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
BothidaeMonolene atrimanaGoode & Bean1886Blackfin Flounder

Monolene atrimana

Unique Characters: Ocular-side pelvic-fin base about equal in length with that of blind-side fin, with first rays not inserted anterior to those of blind-side fin. Pectoral fin absent on blind side (of adults). Body very elongate, depth 33-37% standard length. Single large, dark blotch or 2 inconspicuous bands on middle caudal-fin rays. Ventralmost pectoral-fin rays shorter than dorsalmost pectoral-fin rays; dorsal-fin rays 119-125; pectoral-fin rays 11-15, 98-108 anal-fin rays. Pectoral fin elongate and black. Gill rakers short and stout.

Similar Species: 

Slim Flounder
Monolene antillarum

Slim Flounder, Monolene antillarumPectoral with irregular blackish cross-bars, which are more distinct in its lower half. Body elongate and brownish with indistinct darker markings, of which those near edges of body are most prominent. Pectoral fin absent on blind side. Depth of body 3-3.2 in the length. Length of head 4.5. Upper profile of head less elevated above and behind eyes. Diameter of eye 3.25-3.5 in length of head. Lower jaw a little longer and rather more vertical. 8 or 9 gill rakers on lower part of anterior arch. 87 or 88 scales in lateral line.

Deepwater Flounder
Monolene sessilcauda

Monolene sessilcauda, Deepwater Flounder. Source: FAO 2002.
Monolene sessilcauda, Deepwater Flounder. Source: FAO 2002.

Deepwater Flounder Monolene sessilicaudaEyed side tan to brownish with dark blotches loosely arranged into bands. Pectoral fin banded on eyed side. Caudal fin may have a dark, central blotch. Mouth small, eyes closely set. Arched portion of lateral line squarish. Pectoral fin absent on blind side of adults. Ocular-side pelvic-fin base about equal in length with that of blind-side fin, with first rays not inserted anterior to those of blind-side fin. Body very elongate, depth 33-37% standard length.