---
title: Largescale Dwarf Flounder (Engyprosopon macrolepis)
scientific_name: Engyprosopon macrolepis
common_name: Largescale Dwarf Flounder
taxon: Lefteye flounders
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-24T15:24:54.982Z
updated: 2026-08-07T21:10:08.748Z
tags: Largescale Dwarf Flounder, Engyprosopon macrolepis, Lefteye flounders, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/lefteye-flounders/largescale-dwarf-flounder
---

# Largescale Dwarf Flounder (*Engyprosopon macrolepis*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Lefteye flounders
- **Size:** up to 16 cm
- **Weight:** up to 47 g
- **Depth:** 3-91 m
- **Diet:** Carnivore
- **Habitat:** Muddy and sandy areas, sometimes near coral reefs.
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

## How to recognise it

- ocular flap on each eye with red spots (males)
- orbital and rostral spines on the ocular side (males)
- elongated second pectoral fin ray on the ocular side (males)

The Largescale Dwarf Flounder (Engyprosopon macrolepis) reaches a maximum length of 16 cm (6.3 in) and a weight of 47 g (1.66 oz). This flatfish inhabits sandy and muddy substrates on the ocean floor, occasionally near coral reefs, at depths ranging from 3 to 91 m (10 to 299 ft). It occurs in the Red Sea. Its dorsal fin has 76 to 85 soft rays and its anal fin has 58 to 63 soft rays; neither fin possesses spines. Ctenoid scales cover its ocular (eyed) side, while cycloid scales are present on its blind side. Gill rakers are elongated.

Males exhibit distinct features, including an ocular flap with red spots and a scalloped margin on each eye, along with orbital and rostral spines on the ocular side. The second pectoral fin ray on their ocular side is notably elongated, and their blind side displays darker pigmentation. Sexual dimorphism is evident in male interorbital width and the lengths of their ocular-side pectoral and pelvic fins. The genus name Engyprosopon derives from Greek, meaning "nearly a face," referring to its facial characteristics.

## Also known as

- **English:** Largescale Dwarf Flounder
- **Portuguese:** Linguado-anão-do-Indo-Pacífico
- **Japanese:** ホシゾラダルマガレイ, Hoshizoradarumagarei

## Scientific synonyms

- *Engyprosopon filimanus* (Regan, 1908)
- *Scaeops filimanus* Regan, 1908
- *Scaeops macrolepis* Regan, 1908

## Range

Comoros, Indian Ocean

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/lefteye-flounders/largescale-dwarf-flounder)*
*Updated: August 7, 2026*