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FLOUNDERS AND SOLES
BOTHIDAE AND SOLEIDAE
All members of the Pleuronectiformes family including sole's and flounders, have the eyes on the upper part of the body. During the larvae stage they look like other fish, but slowly become more asymmetric during growth. During this metamorphosis, one eye migrates across the head towards the other and the swim bladder disappears. Flounders have the eyes on the left side and sole's have the eyes on the right side. Flatfish, as most people call them, are mainly bottom dwellers and their flattened bodies make it easy to glide over the sea floor when searching for food. They have a long pectoral fin (especially the males) which extends from the center of their backs. Because of their thin profile, they are able to hide from predators and prey. Flatfish bury themselves into sand, with only their one hundred and eighty degrees rotating eyes exposed. All flatfish are masters in camouflage and when they move to a new location, Chromatophores (irregular-shaped skin cells) help them to change patterns and color in seconds to match the surrounding area.
- Check the sub-map for the specimen information files -