flounder

Flounder is a common name for several species of flatfish in the order Pleuronectiformes. They are bottom-dwelling (demersal) fish that begin life with eyes on opposite sides of the head, but during development one eye migrates to join the other on the same side. Adults lie on one side, with the upper surface camouflaged and the underside pale.

Flounders inhabit coastal and continental shelf waters around the world, including the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They prefer sandy, muddy, or seagrass-bottom habitats such as estuaries and tidal flats, from shallow nearshore zones to moderate depths depending on species.

The body is flattened and asymmetric, with a dorsal fin running along most of the body and a similarly long anal fin. Coloration varies with environment, providing camouflage along the seabed. They feed mainly on benthic invertebrates and small fish, using ambush tactics and their good camouflage to approach prey.

Reproduction involves spawning in open water, with eggs that float in the water column. Larvae are pelagic at first and migrate to the bottom as they mature, undergoing eye migration to the upper side and becoming settled flatfish.

Flounder is of significant commercial importance in many regions. It is caught by nets, trawls, and lines, and is used for fresh and processed fish products. Because some stocks have declined due to overfishing and habitat change, management often includes size limits, catch quotas, and seasonal closures.