Flounder
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
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
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
Ability
Chameleon Camouflage
Flounder can change its skin color and pattern in seconds because of special cells, allowing it to disappear into the seafloor.
Ability
Migrating Eyes
Flounder has eyes that move from opposite sides to one side of its head during development, that helps them see above while lying flat.
Ability
Sand Dive
Flounder can quickly bury itself partially in sand or mud using rapid fin movements, that helps them hide from predators and ambush prey.
Ability
Flat Body Design
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
- Maximum 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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Flatfish
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Flounder?
20-50 cm
How much does Flounder weigh?
0.5-2 kg
How long does Flounder live?
3-15 years
What does Flounder eat?
They are bottom-dwelling hunters, munching on small animals found on the seabed.
How fast can Flounder swim?
8 km/h
Where is Flounder usually found?
Ocean floor
How does Flounder hunt?
Ambush
How deep can Flounder go?
200 m
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
