Flounder

ocean · fish · camouflage · weird bodies

Eyes on one side. Flounders have both eyes on the same side of their head, which is super unusual. This lets them see what is happening above them while they hide on the seafloor.

Bottom dwellers. Flounders are demersal fish, meaning they live and hunt on the ocean floor rather than swimming in the open water. They stay near the sandy or muddy bottom where they can hide from bigger fish.

Found worldwide. You can find flounders in oceans all around the world. Some types even swim into rivers and estuaries where freshwater meets the salty sea.

Masters of disguise. Flounders can change their color and pattern to match the seafloor beneath them. This camouflage helps them sneak up on small fish and creatures to eat while staying hidden from predators.

Sneaky hunters. Flounders wait patiently on the ocean bottom, then suddenly dart out to catch passing prey like shrimp and small fish. Their flat body helps them move quickly across the sand and mud.