Peacock Flounder (Bothus mancus)

The Peacock Flounder or Bothus mancus is a master of camouflage. These saltwater fish found in the Indo-Pacific have the ability to constantly change colors and patterns to match the sea floor. A recent scientific study has proven that it takes just 8 seconds for their bodies to completely blend into their surroundings! Scientists even used a checker board, which the flounder matched with ease. You can see this amazing transformation for yourself in the video below.
Like other species of Flounder, these fish start their lives with eyes on BOTH sides of their bodies, but as they grow older these eyes actually move to one side to give them the ability to settle down flat on the surface and blend in. When in danger these fish will bury themselves in the sandy bottom with just their eyes exposed. This particular flounder can grow to about 18" (45cm) in length and is quite edible.  It is sometimes known as the Flowery Flounder and is a flatfish from the Bothidae (lefteye flounders) family.

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Pacific Sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus)

The Pacific Sanddab or Citharichthys sordidus is a Flatfish that is found in the Sea of Japan, Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea and other places in the Pacific Ocean. Like other Flatfish, they begin their lives with eyes on both sides of their heads, but this quickly changes and they end up with both eyes on one side. This odd trait helps them see their potential prey from the sea floor with ease.

Pacific Sanddab are light brown in coloration with an oval body and very large scales. They can grow to about 41 cm (16 inches) and weigh in at 2lbs. They are sometimes known as Nottled Sanddab, Soft Flounder or Melgrim and are considered to be very tasty! This saltwater fish will feed on octopus, crustaceans and small fish and are normally found in depths of 50–150 meters.  You can check out the Pacific Sanddab underwater in the video below.


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Arrowtooth Flounder (Atheresthes stomias)

The Arrowtooth Flounder or Atheresthes stomias is just one of the around 100 different species of Flounder in the world.  This particular species is from the Pleuronectidae family which makes it a right eyed Flounder.   These flatfish are considered to be a great tasting fish, but must be served EXTREMELY fresh to fully appreciate their flavor.

Arrowtooth Flounder are found in the Pacific Ocean in places like the coast of California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. These saltwater fish will spawn in the wintertime normally between December and February. They will often feed on Pollock and other small fish. Arrowtooth Flounder can easily weigh over 10lbs and have that classic, run over by a steamroller look.

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European Flounder (Platichthys flesus)

The European Flounder or Platichthys flesus is just one of the five different species of Flounder. This flatfish is known best for its delicious flavor and strange appearance. The European Flounder can actually change its color to match its surroundings. This along with the fact that this salt water fish is very slim, and often found on the bottom makes the Flounder one hard fish to spot.European Flounder are found in the Northern European coastal waters and are oval in shape and usually right-eyed. When the European Flounder is first born they have an eye on each side of its head, but as they grow older one eye migrates to the other side of their bodies. This makes the eyes face upwards which helps them spot potential prey swimming by. They can grow to about 50cm in maximum length (20 inches) and weight of 2.7 kg (6 pounds). When not blending into their surroundings they are a brownish coloration with a white underbelly.The European Flounder can survive in brackish waters with soft bottom. They will often burrow into the bottom and lie and wait for an easy unsuspecting meal to swim by. They are nocturnal, feeding often under the cover of darkness. Spawning for the European Flounder occurs during the months of February through June. You can check out the European Flounder underwater in the video below...

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