BOTHIDAE Soles and flounders

Flatfish with eyes on left side of body, generally dark or pale sandy-brown dorsally with extended marginal dorsal and anal fins, and separate caudal fin. Flatfish range over sandy bottoms, from very shallow water to offshore. They conceal themselves by burying in the soft sand or sediment until only the eyes are visible. They are subject to parasites, and are not popular food fish. Bothus pantherinus, leopard sole; Pseudorhombus arsius , Moses sole.

Leopard sole Bothus pantherinus

Eyes on left of head; body flattened dorsally; mottled brown on back, with profuse spots and blotches. Partially curved lateral line with large dark blotch midway along straight section. Pale white translucent underneath. Male has elongate pectoral fin. Found on shallow inshore sandy bottoms. Feeds on bottom dwelling invertebrates and fish fry. 25 cm.

Moses sole Pseudorhombus arsius

Eyes on left of head, closer set than B. pantherinus. Pale sandy-brown dorsally with numerous ocellated spots. Semi-translucent white underside. Feeds on bottom dwelling invertebrates and fish fry. 30 cm.