Diving with Lefteye Flounders

Lefteye flounders are a family of very flat fish which lie on the seafloor on their right sides, with both their eyes on their left sides. It is possible, but highly rare, that this is reversed in some specimens. Always present, but not easy to find when diving Koh Lanta.

This family is also noted for having spines near the eyes and on the snout. Some species have tentacles on the eyes. Species size varies from 4.5 cm up to 88 cm.

Noticeably, there are no spines in the fins, all of the fins are soft rays. The dorsal fin starts above the upper eye. The anus is located on the bottom 'blind' side of the fish.

The eye side of lefteye flounders usually has spots, blotches or rings, with the blind side being usually a light colour (except a dark colour for males in a limited few species). These fish are predators of bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small fish.

Find Out More

• Allen, G., Steene, R., Humann, P., DeLoach, N. (2003) Reef Fish Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-878348-36-1.
• Humann, P., DeLoach, N., (2010) Reef Creature Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications Inc., ISBN 978-1-878348-44-9
• Debelius, H. (2013) Indian Ocean Reef Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 978-3-939767-52-7.
• Debelius, H. (2004) Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-51-1
• Erhardt, H., Knop, D. (2015) Corals Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-69-4.
• Veron J.E.N., Stafford-Smith M.G., Turak E. and DeVantier L.M. (2016). Corals of the World

More Marine Life References and Further Information