European flounder

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European flounder

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Pleuronectiformes
Family: Pleuronectidae
Genus: Platichthys
Species: P. flesus
Binomial name
Platichthys flesus
Linnaeus, 1758

The European Flounder (Platichthys flesus) is a flatfish of Northern European coastal waters. It is a well-known food fish

Description

The european flounder is oval in shape and is usually right-eyed. It usually grows to 25-30cm in length, although lengths up to 50cm have been recorded.

The upper surface is usually dull brown in colour with reddish-brown blotches and the underside is white. This fish can change colour to suit its background, providing an effective camouflage.

The lateral line features rows of small tubercles, as do the bases of the dorsal and anal fins.

Habitat

The European flounder is usually found on muddy seabeds from the low shore to depths exceeding 50m. It feeds on invertebrates, especially crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The European flounder can also be found in estuaries.

External links

"Platichthys flesus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. October 2008 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2008.

Wikipedia content modification information:

  • This page was last modified on 7 January 2009, at 00:09.

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