Ryan Photographic - Bothidae - Lefteye flounders

Family Bothidae

The family Bothidae contains 20 genera and 62 species (Fishbase). They are typically highly crytpic with marked color change ability. This enables them to quickly match themselves to their background. This photograph shows a peacock flounder trying to become a chessboard.

Flounder start off life drifting in the plankton before settling on the bottom and carrying out an amazing metamorphosis. Their right migrates from the right side of their body around to the left side and the fish lie on their right side. Teir common name of "left hand flounders" comes from havingboth eyes on their left side. In contrast, the "right hand flounders' (family Pleuronectidae) have both eyes on the right side of their body - suggesting this strategy has evolved twice.

Flounders are carnivores and are good eating.

Arnoglossus scapha Witch

Asterorhombus filifer Longlure flounder

Bothus mancus Peacock flounder

Bothus pantherinus? Leopard flounder

Engyprosopon grandisquama Largescale flounder

Paralichthys tropicus Tropical flounder?

Fishes

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