Maculated Flounder
Maculated Flounders stalking a Stingray
The Maculated Flounder sometimes follows Southern Stingrays as they stir up the sand while feeding. This opportunistic feeding strategy lets the flounder catch small animals without digging itself.
| Name: | Maculated Flounder |
| Scientific Name: | Bothus maculiferus |
| Family: | Lefteye Flounders |
| Taxonomic: | Bothidae |
| ID Group: | Bottom Dwellers |
| Size: | 5 - 8 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
This Flounder has a flat body with pale blue rings and spots, a blotch in the middle of the body, and a smooth, rounded head. The dorsal fin begins just above the upper lip.
The Maculated Flounder is also called the Mottled Flounder and lives on sandy or seagrass bottoms. It stays motionless on the seafloor, but moves away when disturbed.