Pseudorhombus
Pseudorhombus is a genus of flatfish belonging to the family Pleuronectidae, commonly known as right-eyed flounders. They are characterized by their flattened bodies, asymmetrical skulls, and eyes situated on the right side of their heads. These fish are found in marine environments, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, and exhibit a wide range of sizes and coloration.
Common Names
Species within the genus Pseudorhombus are known by various common names, including:
- Flounders
- Right-eyed flounders
- Sole
- Tonguefish
Characteristics
Pseudorhombus species share several key characteristics, including:
- Flattened body: Their bodies are laterally compressed, allowing them to lie flat on the seabed.
- Asymmetrical skull: The eyes are located on the right side of the head, resulting in a skewed skull structure.
- Right-eyed: All species in the genus are right-eyed, meaning their eyes are situated on the right side of their head.
- Varied coloration: They exhibit a range of colors and patterns, often blending with the surrounding environment.
- Mouth: Their mouths are generally small and located at the bottom of their head.
- Scales: They possess ctenoid scales, which are rough and comb-like.
Environments
Pseudorhombus species are typically found in marine environments, predominantly in the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit various habitats, including:
- Coastal waters: They are common near coastlines, estuaries, and bays.
- Sandy bottoms: They often prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, where they can easily burrow.
- Coral reefs: Some species are found in association with coral reefs.
- Depths: They can occur at various depths, from shallow waters to deeper regions.
References
For further information and a more detailed understanding of the genus Pseudorhombus, you can consult the following reliable sources: