Pleuronectiformes, more commonly known as flatfish, are all benthic fish, meaning they live on the seafloor. They all have a lighter, unpigmented side that rests on the seafloor—this is the ventral side—and a colored side where the eyes are located—this is the dorsal side. There are a total of 11 families of “Pleuronectiformes” fish, comprising a wide variety of species.
Among these species, 8 are recommended by Mr.Goodfish this fall 2018.
Did you know?
When they are born, flatfish fry are not flat at all! The larva looks normal, with an eye on each side. As the larva grows, one eye and one nostril migrate to the same side as the others, which will become the future dorsal side. The eyes will end up either on the right side—resulting in right-sided flatfish (such as flounder and sole)—or on the left side—resulting in left-sided flatfish (such as brill and turbot).
