What is a Flatfish?

A flatfish is a fish in the order Pleuronectiformes. The fish are extremely unusual, and in addition to being valuable food fish, flatfish are also the subject of intense scientific scrutiny. Certainly an encounter with a flatfish is never forgotten, as the fish look truly bizarre. Many species also happen to be quite tasty, making flatfish a common inclusion on restaurant menus and in the cases of fishmongers.

Flatfish start out living perfectly ordinary lives. When they initially hatch, they are bilaterally symmetrical, as are many other animals on Earth. However, as they mature, flatfish slowly become laterally compressed, and their bodies undergo changes which cause them to start swimming on their sides. Since flatfish live on the bottom of the ocean, this adaptation would render one of their eyes essentially useless. Fortunately, nature comes to the rescue, because flatfish have migrating eyes. As they mature, one eye slowly migrates to the top side of the fish, so that the fish end up with both eyes on one side of their body.

As a general rule, the blind side of a flatfish is pale, while the top side is dark or mottled. These color adaptations assist with camouflage. When the fish reach full maturity, they are far from symmetrical, since they live their lives on their sides. Many of the flatfish also look extremely peculiar, since they are so compressed. Indeed, they have been unfavorably likened to roadkill, since their bodies have a slightly squashed appearance.

The coloration of flatfish allows them to conceal themselves along the sandy or rocky floor of bodies of water. Unsuspecting dish drifting by overhead become easy prey. The fish can move rather quickly, considering their strange body morphology. Fishermen can catch flatfish either with hooks and lines or through dredging with nets. Dredging is not very environmentally friendly, however, as it profoundly disturbs the marine environment.

There are approximately 500 species of fish which are considered flatfish. Of these, flounder, sole, halibut, turbot, dabs, and plaice are among the most popular for food fishes. Many flatfish are also sustainably harvested or farmed, making them excellent ecological choice, for people who are concerned about the fishing industry. The fish tend to have white flesh, which can be firm to very tender and flaky. Given the wide range of species, there are a number of ways to prepare and season flatfish, ranging from broiling to grilling, with sauces like lemon dill sauce to mango salsa.