13 photos - 5 species
Introduction
There are over 675 species, 134 genera, 14 families and two suborders.
They are flattened, disc-like fish that lie with one side on the bottom.
Both eyes have "migrated" to one side during evolution.
They take on the colour of the substrate.
Bothus lunatus
Plate fish or Peacock flounder
Maximum length: 45 cm
Depth: 1 - 15
Can drastically adapt their colouring to the ground, fading or darkening.
Their eyes are diagonal to each other.
They normally inhabit seagrass, coral rubble and sandy areas, lying motionless on the bottom.
As they rely completely on their camouflage, a slow approach is possible.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: Bonaire Caribbean
Photos 3 - 5 Astrid: Bonaire Caribbean
Pseudorhombus dupliciocellatus
Ocellated flounder
Maximum length: 25 - 40 cm
Depth: 10 - 185 metres
It can be easily identified by the three double eye spots on its back.
Eats small fish, various crustaceans, shrimps etc., as well as worms.
Photo 1 Johnny: Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi
Pardachirus marmoratus
Finless sole, Speckled sole or Red sea moses sole
Maximum length: 26 cm
Depth: 1 - 15 m
Usually burrowed up to the eyes and nostrils.
Secretes milky, strong skin venom from pores as a deterrent.
Photo 1 Johnny: El Quesir Egypt
Photo 2 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Platichthys flesus
European flounder
Maximum length: 50 cm
Depth: up to 100 metres
Flatfish from Europe's coastal waters.
They prefer brackish water, but can also tolerate fresh water.
They are found in estuaries, bays and fjords.
They have a streamlined, strongly flattened body,
with the body width being less than half the body length.
About one third of flounders have their eyes on the left side,
the other two thirds on the right.
Similar to the plaice, it often has reddish, pale spots on its upper side.
They live at depths of up to 100 metres, usually buried up to their eyes.
They migrate into the sea to spawn.
Photo 1 Johnny: Oberhausen Germany ( Aquarium )
Soleichthys heterorhinos
Blue edged sole
Maximum length: 16 cm
Depth: 1 - 15 m
Easily recognisable bluish fin fringes.
Body with dark cross bands.
Normally only visible at night as they are buried in the sand during the day.
Photos 1 - 2 + 4 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Photo 3 Astrid: Hurghada Egypt