ExploreFish

Flounder

Paralichthys dentatus

Flounder is a flat fish that likes to hide on the ocean floor. They can change their color to blend in with their surroundings!

Habitat: Ocean floor

Appearance

The Flounder has a uniquely flattened, oval-shaped body, with both eyes positioned on one side of its head. Its skin is mottled brown, gray, or olive, allowing it to perfectly blend into sandy or muddy seafloors, making it almost invisible.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPleuronectiformesFamilyPleuronectidaeGenusParalichthys

Flounder

Interesting facts

A flounder's mouth also twists to one side, matching where its eyes are!

Flounder start life swimming upright, just like other fish!

Some types of flounder can even live in both ocean and river waters!

They eat tiny crabs and worms, gulping them from the sandy bottom!

Special abilities

Flounder can change its skin color and pattern in seconds because of special cells, allowing it to disappear into the seafloor.

Flounder has eyes that move from opposite sides to one side of its head during development, that helps them see above while lying flat.

Flounder can quickly bury itself partially in sand or mud using rapid fin movements, that helps them hide from predators and ambush prey.

Flounder has an incredibly flat body shape, that helps them stay close to the seabed and avoid strong currents.

Measurements & details

Length: 20-50 cm
Weight: 0.5-2 kg
Lifespan: 3-15 years
Swim Speed: 8 km/h
Max Depth: 200 m
Water Type: Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

They are bottom-dwelling hunters, munching on small animals found on the seabed.

Primary Foods

crabs
shrimp
marine worms
small fish

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Harbor Seal

Phoca vitulina

Seals hunt flounders hiding on the seafloor.

eaten by

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Larger fish like cod prey on flounders.

eats

Common Shrimp

Crangon crangon

Flounders ambush and eat small crustaceans.

eats

Ragworm

Nereis diversicolor

Many flounder species feed on marine worms.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.