flounder
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classification
Actinopterygii, Pleuronectiformes, Bothidae (left-eyed flounders) and Paralichthyidae (right-eyed flounders), Genus includes species like Paralichthys olivaceus (Olive flounder)
habitat
Flounders are typically found in sandy or muddy bottoms of coastal waters, estuaries, and continental shelves, often buried in the substrate.
body length
Flounder species can vary significantly in size, with lengths ranging from about 10 inches (25 cm) to over 2 feet (60 cm) depending on the species.
body weight
The weight of flounders can also vary widely, typically ranging from 1 to 10 pounds (0.5 to 4.5 kg), with larger species capable of exceeding this range.
lifespan
Flounders generally have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
food habit
Flounders are carnivorous and primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, often ambushing prey by lying in wait on the ocean floor.
habit
Flounders are known for their unique behavior of flattening their bodies and camouflaging themselves against the ocean floor, using their coloration to blend in with the substrate.
natural enemy
Natural predators of flounders include larger fish species, seabirds, and marine mammals, which feed on them as part of their diet.
bits of knowledge
Flounders have a remarkable ability to change color and pattern to match their surroundings, providing excellent camouflage. They are also known for their unique morphology, where both eyes are located on one side of their body as they mature.