Leopard flounder (Bothus pantherinus)

Latin name

Bothus pantherinus

Other name

Panther flounder

Identification

The leopard flounder is a highly compressed fish, one of the left-eyed flounders, meaning that the right eye has moved to the left side of the body.  

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 84 - 97; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 61 - 73. 

The male has an elongated pectoral fin that signals courtship, territoriality and fear.

Fish colouring

Leopard flounder have dark spots, patches and rings on the side of the eye. A larger dark spot is located in the centre of the straight lateral line.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: the entire Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and Persian Gulf to the Hawaiian, Marquesas and Society Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Eastern Mediterranean record incorrect.

Habitat

It is a tropical marine bottom dweller. It is often partially buried in the sand of lagoons, bays and sheltered reefs at depths of 3-150 metres (9.8-492.1 feet).

Size

Males of this species reach a maximum length of 39.0 cm and a total length of 20.0 cm.

Behavior

Occupies sandy or silty sands and muddy bottoms of inner reef banks and inshore reefs; juveniles are often found in tidal pools.

Food and feeding habits

Leopard flounders feed on bottom-dwelling animals. 

Reproduction

They lay eggs that develop into symmetrical larvae that resemble ordinary fish. As larvae, these fish do not live on the sea floor as adults. They live a pelagic lifestyle, swimming in open water in search of small prey. When they reach the juvenile stage, they undergo a metamorphosis and become bottom dwellers.

Fishing

This species is commercially important for fishing.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. It is used as food fish and processed into fish meal.