Left-eyed flounder
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Left-eyed flounder
Left-eyed flounder (Bothus sp.) camouflaged on the seabed. When the left-eyed flounder is born it has an eye on each side of its body and swims upright. However, as it matures, its right eye migrates to the left side and the flounder begins to swim sideways. The flounder, which grows to about 35 centimetres in length, is able to change its colour to some extent to match its surroundings. This fish is found on the sandy bottoms of coastal coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific. It often buries itself in the sand, leaving only its eyes exposed. From this position the fish will jump out on its prey, crustaceans and small fish. Photographed in the Lambeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia
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Media ID 6460177
© GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Camouflage Camouflaged Carnivore Carnivorous Flat Fish Hidden Hiding Indonesia Panoramic Sea Bed Sulawesi
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the incredible camouflage abilities of the Left-eyed flounder (Bothus sp. ) as it blends seamlessly with the seabed. At birth, this unique fish possesses eyes on both sides of its body and swims upright. However, as it matures, its right eye migrates to the left side, causing it to swim sideways. Growing up to 35 centimeters in length, this remarkable creature has the ability to change its coloration slightly in order to match its surroundings. Found primarily on sandy bottoms within coastal coral reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific region, it often buries itself in sand while leaving only its eyes exposed. From this hidden position, the Left-eyed flounder patiently waits for unsuspecting prey such as crustaceans and small fish. With lightning-fast reflexes, it swiftly jumps out from beneath the sandbeds to capture its next meal. Photographed in Indonesia's Lambeh Straits off Sulawesi Island by Science Photo Library, this panoramic image captures not just a stunning moment in nature but also highlights various aspects of zoology and marine biology. The intricate details showcased here emphasize how evolution has shaped these carnivorous flatfish into masters of disguise and ambush predators within their underwater habitat.
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