Tropical Flounder

Tropical Flounder: The Camouflage Master

The name Tropical Flounder most often refers to smaller, brightly patterned flatfish species from the family Bothidae (Lefteye Flounders) commonly available in the marine aquarium trade, such as the Peacock Flounder (Bothuslunatus) or the Leopard Flounder (Bothuspantherinus). These fascinating fish are renowned for their incredible ability to change color and pattern in seconds to perfectly mimic the substrate on which they rest.

As juveniles, flounders start life like normal fish, with an eye on each side of the head. Within a few weeks, one eye (the right eye, in the case of Bothidae) migrates over the skull to join the other, allowing the fish to lie flat on its blind (right) side on the sea floor with both eyes looking up. This makes them the ultimate ambush predators.

While generally peaceful toward their human keepers and large fish, all tropical flounders are dedicated carnivores and will consume any small fish or ornamental invertebrate that crosses their path. They require a large aquarium with a deep, fine-grain sand bed to satisfy their natural burying instinct.

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Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This fish is a dedicated Carnivore and an ambush hunter. In the wild, they feed on small fish, crustaceans (shrimp, crabs), and polychaete worms. In the aquarium, they must be target-fed and should be given a varied diet of frozen meaty foods like krill, brine shrimp, chunks of squid, and marine silversides.
• Feeding: As they are slow-moving bottom-dwellers, they can easily be outcompeted by faster tankmates. Use long tongs or a baster to target-feed directly onto the substrate near the flounder's hiding spot, or feed after the main tank lights are out, as some species are nocturnal.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe With Extreme Caution. While they ignore corals, they will systematically hunt and consume nearly all ornamental invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails) and any fish that can fit into their mouth. They are generally compatible only with large, robust, and fast-moving tankmates.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful/Predatory. They are not aggressive toward fish too large to be eaten, but their predatory nature must not be underestimated. They should be kept singly in a Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) system or a specialized setup.
• Substrate Requirement: A very deep, fine-grain sand substrate (3+ inches) is absolutely essential. Coarse gravel can scratch their delicate skin and prevent them from burying, which is critical for their security and well-being.

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Quick Facts (Based on commonly kept species like Bothuslunatus)

• Scientific Name: Genus Bothus spp. (Lefteye Flounder family)
• Primary Common Name: Tropical Flounder
• Other Common Names: Peacock Flounder, Plate Fish, Solefish, Wide-eyed Flounder
• Origin: Tropical Indo-Pacific and Caribbean (Widespread)
• Max Size: 10 to 18 inches (25-46 cm) (varies by species)
• Temperament: Peaceful/Predatory (Ambush Hunter)
• Diet: Carnivore (Must be target-fed frozen meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 Gallons (Requires a large, open sand bed)
• Reef Compatibility: With Extreme Caution (Will eat all small inverts and fish)