I might say this about several species we encounter during our sampling trips, but I can’t think of a fish that gets more chuckles (and perhaps a few raised eyebrows) from first time viewers than the aptly named, blackcheek tonguefish (Symphurus plagiusa).

Tonguefish belong to a group of relatively small left-eyed flatfish that have elongated tear- (or tongue if you prefer) shaped bodies with continuous dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Their small dark eyes and curved mouths help give these inconspicuous flatfish a cartoonish appearance. Specifically, blackcheek tonguefish get their name from a dark spot that is found near the fish’s gill covering located on the brownish eyed side of their body. This side also possesses several dark bars along the body to help these slow swimming fish blend into their surroundings. Their other side, known as the blind side, is white in appearance.

Blackcheek tonguefish feed on a variety of marine life it encounters living on the bottom such as algae, worms, and crustaceans. They can tolerate a wide variety of salinities and are common inhabitants of soft sediment bottoms in Georgia’s coastal rivers, sounds and nearshore Atlantic waters. In fact, they are often considered a nuisance by many of Georgia’s shrimpers as they are notorious for getting stuck in their nets!