Cynoglossus senegalensis (tonguesole)

(Source: FAO, 2012)

Scientific Name: Cynoglossus senegalensis

Common Name: tonguesole

Genus: Cynoglossus

Species: senegalensis

Ijaw Name: Sakpo-bumo

Family: Cynoglossidae

Habitat: Rivers

Gear Type: Fishing Nets

Season of Occurrence: Dry Season

Description: The Senegalese tonguesole, is a flatfish species found in coastal waters, particularly on sandy or muddy bottoms, and can also inhabit estuaries and lagoons. Typically reaching up to 66.5 cm in length, this species has a flat, elongated body with its eyes positioned on the left side, a characteristic of the family Cynoglossidae. Its coloration includes a brown-eyed side with possible greenish reflections and a whitish blind side, with occasional black spots at the bases of its dorsal and anal fins. This tonguesole species mainly feeds on mollusks, shrimps, crabs, and small fish, playing a role in its local fisheries, where it is sometimes marketed as "filets de sole" when sold frozen. Although it has no significant threat to humans and is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, it faces pressures from fishing activities, as it is commercially targeted in some regions.