Abstract

The Senegalese tongue sole, Cynoglossus senegalensis, includes three junior synonyms: C. goreensis, C. guineensis and C. simulator. In addition, C. browni, originally described as a subspecies of C. senegalensis, is currently considered a valid species. Recent observations of C. senegalensis specimens showed two different mouth morphologies, with mouth angle (i) not exceeding the posterior border of the lower eye and with a narrow interorbital distance (IOD) or (ii) exceeding that level and with a wider IOD. The first group represents C. senegalensis. The second, although containing the C. browni holotype, is named C. goreensis, following name priority. A third group, with a mouth angle not exceeding the posterior border of the lower eye and with an intermediately wide IOD, was also revealed. This last group suggests that C. simulator requires revalidation. DNA barcoding results confirmed all three species. This highlights that current Cynoglossus fishery statistics are based on doubtful identifications, probably skewing IUCN assessments. A pictorial guide is proposed to ease identification and help conservation assessments of policies and sustainable management plans for these economically important marine fish species. Common names in English, French and Kikongo (DRC) are proposed to facilitate communication with concerned local communities and to better spread the preservation/conservation message.

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