Fin's Fish Guide
The Flounder (Bothus pantherinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 39 cm.
Indo-Pacific; sand, silt and mud bottoms of inner reef flats and lagoons.
Description
The leopard flounder is a flatfish of the lefteye flounder family (Bothidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 39 cm and has a round-oval, flattened body with both eyes on the left side and a handsome pattern of rings and blue spots on a sand-coloured eyed side, camouflaging it excellently; it can quickly match its colour to the substrate. It lives on sand, silt and mud bottoms of inner reef flats and lagoons. As an ambush bottom hunter it seizes small fishes and crustaceans. Males have an elongated pectoral ray. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flounder?
The Flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Both eyes on the left and rings with blue blotches; quickly adjusts its colour to the substrate.
Where does the Flounder live?
The Flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; sand, silt and mud bottoms of inner reef flats and lagoons.
How big does the Flounder get?
The Flounder grows to a maximum of about 39 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Flounder edible?
The Flounder is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bothus
More from the family Bothidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.