“…and today we’re talking about an NBC branded fish. But more on that later.”
Flat and fabulous, the peacock flounder is the Picasso of the seafloor. But beneath its cool, camouflaged exterior lies a wild anatomical twist that would make even the most seasoned contortionist wince. You thought you looked different as a kid, the flounder probably has you beat. Stick around, because there’s more than meets the eyes with the peacock flounder here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
Description of the Peacock Flounder
Shape: They have an oval, flat body designed for life on the ocean floor. One of their eyes migrates to the upper side as they mature, giving them a unique side-facing or top-facing eye setup.
Coloration: Known for their vibrant and adaptive coloration, Peacock Flounders can change color to match their environment for camouflage. They typically display a pattern of orange, brown, black, or yellow spots and mottled patterns, resembling the colorful tail of a peacock, hence the name.
Measure Up
Welcome to the beloved Measure Up segment. The official listener’s favorite part of the show! The part of the show when we present the animal’s size and dimension in relatable terms through a quiz that’s fun for the whole family. It’s also the part of the show that’s introduced by you when you send in audio of yourself saying, singing, or chittering the words Measure Up into ldtaxonomy at gmail dot com.
Length
45 centimeters (18 inches)
- The wingspan of a Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
- 3.4 go into the wingspan of a peacock
- 2 go into the wingspan of a peahen
Weight
1 to 3 kilograms (2.2 to 6.6 pounds)
- three go into a peacock
- 2 go into a peahen
- 7 go into the $160 pail of peanut butter from the Superior Nut Company on Amazon
Fast Facts about the Peacock Flounder
The Peacock Flounder, scientifically known as *Bothus mancus*, is a species of flatfish found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like the Red Sea, Hawaii, and the Great Barrier Reef. Here are some key characteristics and descriptions:
Camouflage: They are masters of disguise, able to alter their color and even the pattern of their skin to blend in with the sand, coral, or rock, making them nearly invisible to predators and prey alike.
Hunting: They lie in wait, buried in sand or on the reef, ambushing small fish and crustaceans by suddenly opening their wide, gaping mouth with a quick motion.
Habitat: They prefer shallow, sandy, or coral reef areas where they can use their camouflage effectively. They are often found at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters (3 to 66 feet).
Lifespan: They can live for several years, with some reports suggesting up to 10 years.
Reproduction: Like many flatfish, they are oviparous, releasing eggs into the water column where they hatch into pelagic larvae before settling to the bottom to adopt their adult form.
Ecological Role: As both predators and prey, they play an important role in the marine ecosystem, controlling populations of smaller marine life while also being part of the diet of larger predators.
Major Fact: Pile Drive Pancake
- Peacock flounders start life looking like most other fish, with one eye on each side of their head.
- As they mature, their right eye begins a slow migration across their skull to join the left eye.
- This process, known as eye migration, is a key adaptation for their bottom-dwelling lifestyle.
- The migrating eye moves through a combination of bone restructuring and soft tissue growth.
- It’s a process called bone reabsorption and the fish’s neurocranium rotates
- It grows bones and muscles on the left side of the body, which pushes the right eye up and over.
- The result is a flat body with both eyes on one side, perfectly suited for lying flush against the seafloor. Looks like two grapes rolling around on a plate.
- This transformation helps the flounder stay hidden from predators and sneak up on prey.
- Their eye placement provides a wide field of vision, giving them an advantage in spotting both threats and meals.
- The flounder’s body also changes color and pattern to match the seafloor, further enhancing its camouflage.
- The adaptation solves the problem of hunting and avoiding predators in a flat, benthic environment.
- Scientists are fascinated by the genetic and developmental processes that make this metamorphosis possible.
Ending: Blend into the sea floor, no need to keep your head on a swivel, and get excited cause it’s gonna get weird like the peacock flounder here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.