Date:10/5/2023 8:00 AM
Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday, today's fish of the day is the peacock flounder!
The peacock flounder, known by scientific name Bothus mancus, and other common names such as flower flower is a part of the Bothidae family, or the left eye flounder family, as characterized by both of their eyes residing on the left side of their body, and the spine along their back. Flounders are known for their interesting ability to change colors to match the surrounding of the sea floor below them, and the peacock flounder is no different , with the exception of flower-esc blue coloration on their body. This ability to color change has not fully been discovered and partially remains a mystery, but we do know that they are releasing pigment at the skin cells surface, and can change in as fast as 8 seconds. However, if the flounder's eyes are damaged or restricted by sand, they have problems blending into the environment.
This species of flounder can grow up to the regular size of 18 inches. The eyes are on raised stumps and can move independently of one another, providing a full 360 degree view for the fish. When Flounders are born, they actually do not spawn with eyes on the same side, and this happens as a juvenile matures into a sexually mature adult. These fish prefer to live in shallow areas, and often hunt in reefs and rock structures. The diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, and small shrimp species.
I hope everyone has a good Wednesday!
