Fin's Fish Guide
The Mertens's deepwater flounder (Monolene mertensi) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, on soft bottoms of the deeper continental slope area.
Description
Mertens's deepwater flounder is a very thin, translucent flatfish of the family Bothidae (lefteye flounders) reaching about 18 cm. Both eyes lie on the left side of the head; the pale, strongly compressed body is almost translucent and the mouth is notably small. The species lives on soft bottoms of the deeper continental slope along the West African coast, where it rests flat on the bottom. On the bottom it searches for small zooplankton and small crustaceans. Because of its deep lifestyle and small size it has no fishery value and is only rarely seen; records come mainly from deep-sea research and bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mertens's deepwater flounder?
The Mertens's deepwater flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Very thin, translucent left-eyed flounder with a small mouth; a deep-water flatfish of the continental slope.
Where does the Mertens's deepwater flounder live?
The Mertens's deepwater flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, on soft bottoms of the deeper continental slope area.
How big does the Mertens's deepwater flounder get?
The Mertens's deepwater flounder grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Mertens's deepwater flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Mertens's deepwater flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mertens's deepwater flounder edible?
The Mertens's deepwater flounder is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Monolene
More from the family Bothidae
Want the complete picture on the Mertens's deepwater flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mertens's deepwater flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.