crested flounder

The crested flounder belongs to the family Samaridae, which is part of the order Pleuronectiformes, commonly known as flatfish. These fish are characterized by their flattened, oval bodies and the unique asymmetry where both eyes are located on one side of the head in adults.1

Crested flounders specifically have the origin of their dorsal fin in front of their eyes, and their pelvic fins are symmetrical. This family includes about 20 species spread across 3 genera, and they are primarily found in deep, tropical, and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.1

Flatfish, in general, are bottom-dwellers that camouflage themselves by lying on the seabed, often partially covered by sand or mud, with only their eyes visible. They feed on crustaceans, invertebrates, and small fish, and are preyed upon by larger fish and marine mammals, as well as humans.1