About Flatfishes

Pleuronectiformes are the flatfishes — flounders, soles, turbots, and halibuts. They are among the most distinctive vertebrates because of their asymmetric skull.

Morphology. Larvae are symmetrical, but during metamorphosis one eye migrates to lie beside the other on the upward-facing side; the fish then lies flat on the seabed. The blind side is typically unpigmented. Pectoral and pelvic fins are reduced or asymmetric.

Habitat & distribution. Benthic on sandy or muddy bottoms of continental shelves worldwide, from tropics to high latitudes.

Human significance. Many are prized food fishes (halibut, sole, flounder, turbot) and support valuable fisheries and aquaculture.