#platichthys

The Baltic flounder (Platichthys solemdali) is a newly-discovered flatfish species, and according to researchers is the first endemic fish known from the Baltic Sea, the description of this new species is published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.

- Adult female in dorsal view before fixation. photo by P. Momigliano.

The Baltic flounder has a wide distribution in coastal and bank areas across the region up to the Gulf of Finland and the southern Bothnian Sea. It is found in shallow water on soft and hard bottoms. Adult Baltic flounders measure between 20-25 cm in length. The right-eyed side form is predominant in this species.  

Photo:  Baltic flounder in its environment photo by Mats Westerbom.

European flounder 

The European flounder is a flatfish scientifically named Platichthys flesus, classified in the Pleuronectidae Family of the so called Righteye flounders. So, yes, the eyes of this fish are mostly (70%) on the right side of its longitudinal axis.

The natural range of Platichthys flesus extends from the White Sea to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Due to accidental introductions in ballast water, it may also be found around North America. 

The European flounder is a migratory fish, which is most of the year found in estuaries. Adults occur on mud and sand bottom in shallow water, at sea and brackish; often entering freshwaters. 

References: [1] - [2]

Photo credit: ©Marten Hanson  |  [Top]  -  [Bottom]