Peacock flounder (Bothus lunatus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Bothus lunatus
- Common name
- Peacock flounder
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Bothidae
- Genus
- Bothus
- Size
- 20–46 cm
- Depth
- 1–100 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand
- Behaviours
- benthic, camouflage
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Bothus lunatus reaches 46 cm. Asymmetric flatfish with both eyes on the upper surface. Striking upper side: brown to light grey dotted with iridescent electric-blue rings and dark spots, camouflage modulated in seconds to match sand or coral rubble. Males bear elongated pectoral fins for display. Observable by day on Caribbean sandy-seagrass bottoms, often completely invisible until it moves.
Photo of Peacock flounder
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Peacock flounder?
- Peacock flounder (Bothus lunatus) reaches 20–46 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Peacock flounder?
- Peacock flounder is found between 1–100 m deep.
- Is the Peacock flounder dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Peacock flounder?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Peacock flounder?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Bothus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 274187)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5213848)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia