Flatfishes
Family Bothidae, Lefteye Flounders
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As the name implies,
these flatfishes have both eyes on the left
side of the head. Two large species are likely to be seen in shallow water
while several others live beyond diving depths. They feed upon small
fishes and crustaceans and avoid predators by altering their color at will to match the
surrounding seafloor.
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HAWAII - ENDEMIC
Engyprosopon hawaiiensis
HAWAIIAN DWARF FLOUNDER
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INDO-PACIFIC / HAWAII
| Bothus mancus
FLOWERY FLOUNDER
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Bothus pantherinus
PANTHER FLOUNDER
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TROPICAL WESTERN ATLANTIC
| Bothus lunatus
PEACOCK FLOUNDER
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Family Samaridae, Crested Flounders
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These flatfishes have
both eyes on the right
side of the head. One rare species occurs at diving depths in
Hawai'i.
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INDO-PACIFIC / HAWAII
| Samariscus triocellatus
THREE-SPOT RIGHTEYE FLOUNDER
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Family Soleidae, Soles
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Soles have eyes on the right side of the
body and the fins nearly encircle the body. Some secrete toxic mucus to
deter predators. Soles feed at night
when they emerge from sand or holes in the reef. All three Hawaiian
species are endemic.
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HAWAII - ENDEMIC
| Aseraggodes
holcomi
HOLCOM'S SOLE
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Aseraggodes therese
THERESE'S SOLE
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Family Pleuronectidae, Righteye Flounders
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These flatfishes have
both eyes on the right
side of the head. Most occur in temperate waters.
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NORTHEAST PACIFIC
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Pleuronichthys ritteri
SPOTTED TURBOT
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