There are approximately 500 species of fish which are considered flatfish. Of these, flounder, sole, halibut, turbot and dabs are among the most popular for food fishes.

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 as all other fish do. But as it grows, 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 grow, the eye on its underside shifts position until both eyes are on the same side of its head!

Back to the top 

 Since the flatfish spends much of its life lying on its side on the bottom of the sea, it's not a bad idea for the fish to have both eyes on the same side of its head, the side facing the water, and as an added protection flatfish can change color to blend in with it's surroundings. However, when a flatfish swims toward the surface in search of a meal, it's not such a good idea, since the fish is blind on one side and becomes a target for predators.