Flowery Flounder, Bothus mancus (Broussonet, 1782)

Scientific name: Bothus mancus
Alternative name/s:
Peacock Flounder, Tropical Flounder
Flowery Flounder, Bothus mancus Click to enlarge image
A Flowery Flounder photographed at night at a depth of 10m, just off Alofi Wharf, Niue, 18 July, 2012. Image: Hickson Fergusson
© Hickson Fergusson

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Bothus
    Species
    mancus
    Family
    Bothidae
    Order
    Pleuronectiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to about 42 cm in length.

Identification

Male Flowery Flounders are characterised by having an elongated pectoral fin on the eyed side, tentacles on the widely-spaced eyes, and spines on the snout. The species is variable in colour but usually has white to blue spots, some of which are arranged in circles.

Habitat

It is usually seen on sandy substrates.

Distribution

The species occurs in shallow tropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.