Platichthys
Platichthys is a genus of flatfish in the family Pleuronectidae. They are commonly known as “flounders”, although this name can also refer to other members of the family Pleuronectidae. Platichthys species are found in the northern Atlantic Ocean, the North Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. They are demersal fish, meaning they live on the bottom of the ocean floor.
Characteristics
Platichthys species are characterized by their flattened bodies, which allow them to lie flat on the seabed. They have a unique ability to change color to camouflage themselves with their surroundings. Like other flatfish, they have both eyes on one side of their head, a process known as "lateralization". They possess a dorsal fin that runs the length of their back, and an anal fin that extends along their belly. Their mouths are typically small and positioned on the underside of their head.
Environment
Platichthys species are found in a variety of habitats, including sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, and estuaries. They are generally found in depths ranging from the intertidal zone to several hundred meters. Some species are known to migrate seasonally, moving from deeper waters to shallower waters to spawn.
Species
The genus Platichthys contains two recognized species:
- Platichthys flesus (Linnaeus, 1758) - European Flounder
- Platichthys stellatus (Pallas, 1814) - Starry Flounder