European flounder
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| European flounder | ||||||||||||||
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| Platichthys flesus Linnaeus, 1758 |
The European Flounder (Platichthys flesus) is a flatfish of Northern European coastal waters. It is a well-known food fish
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 find in estuaries.
