There are approximately 500 species of fish which are considered flatfish. The most popular food fishes of these are flounder, sole, halibut and dabs.

This large group of fish has a most unusual growth pattern in its eyes. When a flatfish is born, it has one eye on each side of its head, just like other fish do. As it grows, however, the flatfish turns on its side and begins to swim sideways.

Later, it settles on the bottom of the sea, lying on its side, with half of its body covered with sand or mud. As the flatfish continues to mature the eye on its underside shifts position until both eyes are on the same side of its head!

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Since the flatfish spends much of its life lying on its side on the bottom of the sea, it is pretty advantageous for the fish to have both eyes on the side facing the water. As an added protection, a flatfishes top skin can change color to blend in with its surroundings. Unfortunately, when a flatfish swims toward the surface in search of a meal the blind side of the fish becomes an easy target for predators.