This is a large Order of fish with over 700 species worldwide. They are very unusual to look at, because as the name suggests, they are completely flat with their eyes on just one side. They look altogether alien when you observe up close as both eyes will be on one side of their head.
They are widely distributed and many of these species are targeted for fishing such as plaice, halibut, flounders, soles and turbot.
Flatfish have been found in the Arctic, Antarctica, the tropics, the temperate, in freshwater, at underwater hydrothermal vents and one species which is being investigated lives at the bottom of the deep Mariana trench.
In Sydney we see them on many dives on the sandy floor but they are very well camouflaged.
More information and pictures of these species are available in the links below.
They are widely distributed and many of these species are targeted for fishing such as plaice, halibut, flounders, soles and turbot.
Flatfish have been found in the Arctic, Antarctica, the tropics, the temperate, in freshwater, at underwater hydrothermal vents and one species which is being investigated lives at the bottom of the deep Mariana trench.
In Sydney we see them on many dives on the sandy floor but they are very well camouflaged.
More information and pictures of these species are available in the links below.
- Family Bothidae (Left-Eyed Flounders)
- Species Bothus Pantherinus (Leopard Flounder / Panther Flounder)
- Species Engyprosopon Spiniceps (Spiny Head Flounder)
- Family Paralichthyidae (Large-Tooth Flounders)
- Species Pseudorhombus Arsius (Large-Tooth Flounder)
- Family Soleidae (Soles)
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Family Bothidae (Left Eyed Flounders)
The family Bothidae are the Left Eyed Flounders, another type of flatfish seen in Sydney. Difficult to spot as they are incredibly good at hiding in the sand they both have great big eyes, they are extremely flat and are very well camouflaged. They spend most of their time buried in the sand. It is said that when born during their larval stage they have an eye on each side and are symmetrical until they reach some length and change shape. The Leopard Flounder, also known as the Panther Flounder is the most common in Sydney. |
Leopard / Panther Flounder (Bothus Pantherinus)
Spiny Head Flounder (Engyprosopon Spiniceps)
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Family Paralichyidae (Large Tooth Flounders)
The family Paralichthyidae are the Large Tooth Flounders. One of the species from this family seen in Sydney is Pseudorhombus Arsius. |
Large-Tooth Flounder (Pseudorhombus Arsius)
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Family Soleidae (Soles)
Soles are a type of flatfish, with both eyes on the right side, a small head, small eyes, with fins that surround the entire body. They are seen in Sydney usually buried in the sand or mud. The Small Head Sole is the most common in Sydney, more often than not seen at night and is by far the most beautiful of all the flatfish with its bright blue edges and tiger like markings. The Peppered Sole is another species of sole seen in Sydney occasionally. As with all of the flatfish you have to pay attention to the sand and look hard to see them because they are incredibly well camouflaged. |
Small Head Sole (Aesopia Microcephala)
Peppered Sole (Aseraggodes Sp)
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