Fin's Fish Guide
The Cockatoo flounder (Samaris cristatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Samaridae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The cockatoo flounder is a righteye flatfish (Samaridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an oval, flattened body with both eyes on the right side and, characteristically, several strongly elongated front dorsal fin rays projecting like a crest above the head. It inhabits silty sand and mud bottoms. It flicks the long dorsal filaments over the bottom, possibly to lure or detect bottom animals, and feeds on small benthic animals. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cockatoo flounder?
The Cockatoo flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Greatly elongated front dorsal fin rays like a crest; flicks the filaments over the bottom.
Where does the Cockatoo flounder live?
The Cockatoo flounder lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; silty sand and mud bottoms.
How big does the Cockatoo flounder get?
The Cockatoo flounder grows to a maximum of about 22 cm. On average the species is around 16 cm.
Is the Cockatoo flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Cockatoo flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cockatoo flounder edible?
The Cockatoo flounder is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Cockatoo flounder?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Samaridae
Want the complete picture on the Cockatoo flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cockatoo flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.