Fin's Fish Guide
The Nares flounder (Thysanopsetta naresi) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Southwest Atlantic around Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
Description
The Nares flounder is a small, left-eyed flatfish of the family Paralichthyidae reaching about 15 cm. Both eyes lie on the left side, which is brownish with dark spots; a continuous fin fringe runs around the body, and the underside is white. The species lives in the cold waters of the south-western Atlantic around Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and slope. By day it presses against the bottom or partly buries itself; on the bottom it hunts small crustaceans and worms. Like all flatfish the young start symmetrical and, after metamorphosis, sink onto their side to the bottom. Because of its small size it has little commercial importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Nares flounder?
The Nares flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, left-eyed flatfish of cold southern waters; brown-blotched upper side and a continuous fin fringe around the body.
Where does the Nares flounder live?
The Nares flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic around Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Nares flounder get?
The Nares flounder grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Nares flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Nares flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Nares flounder edible?
The Nares flounder is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Nares flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nares flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Paralichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Nares flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nares flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.