Heteromycteris hartzfeldii (Bleeker, 1853)
Hook-nosed sole
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Soleidae (Soles)
Max. size:  20 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 2 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia, the Philippines (Ref. 1555) and Papua New Guinea (Ref. 6771).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 88-101; Anal soft rays: 61-65. Description: Characterized by brown body color with irregular maze of whitish vermiculations; middle, dorsal and ventral edges of body with large white spots and three rows of large black blotches with white scale centres or ocelli; all dorsal rays unbranched; all anal rays unbranched; caudal rays free from dorsal and anal fins; pectoral fins absent; lateral line of eyed side with 97-102 scales; ctenoid scales; relatively broad and short anterior nostril of eyed side, posterior nostril close to anterior edge of lower eye; snout forms distinct hook; inferior mouth and distinctly contorted; papillae and fringe of barbels covering blind side of head from chin along ventral edge of head and along opercular border, depth of body 2.5-2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits sheltered bays and estuaries (Ref. 48637).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 01 March 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Museum: R/V Albatross collections: Leyte, Hinunangan B., USNM 137718; Mindanao, Davao, USNM 137719; Cotabato, USNM 137720; Palawan, Verde del Sur, USNM 137721; Port Bais, e. Negros, USNM 137722; Mantaquin Bay, Palawan, USNM 137723; Subic Bay, Olongapo, USNM 137724 (Ref. 11790). A 4.5 in (11.4 cm) specimen was collected from the country. Also Ref. 280.


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