Captive Critters: The Flounder

This young flounder was difficult to spot among the oysters. Like many juvenile fish that find themselves inside our gear, they often grow so large that they are unable to escape the enclosure.

A Fascinating Flatfish

Flounder, a member of the flatfish family of which there are over 600 species, are known for their unique body shape and habitat preferences. These fish are characterized by their flattened bodies, with both eyes located on one side, allowing them to lie flat on the ocean floor while remaining camouflaged from predators and prey alike.

However, flounder do not initially appear flat. Juvenile flounder resemble typical larval fish, with an eye on each side of their head. As they mature, their bodies undergo changes. Gradually, more muscles and tissue develop beneath one eye, pushing it closer to the other.

Even the flounder's super power is not a failsafe against the top predator on the Lynnhaven. This osprey which returns to the farm every year to breed readies to bring home the bacon.

Flounder is prized table-fare. Another table-famous flatfish is the halibut. Pacific halibut can grow to more than eight feet long and five feet wide, giving them the nickname “barn doors.” The largest halibut was caught off Alaska and was almost 460 pounds!

The Flounder's Super Power

Flounders are experts in camouflage, thanks to special cells known as chromatophores that enable them to merge with their environment. These cells essentially alter their shape to allow more or less color based on signals from the brain and are the same cells utilized by octopuses.

Predators in their own right, flounder are quick to ambush prey from their hiding spots. For this reason, artificial lures can draw these fish to strike. This small flounder took a Crazy Charlie pattern which resembles a small grass shrimp.

Conclusion

Flounder are not only a fascinating species but also an integral part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The Lynnhaven River serves as a critical habitat for these fish, and ongoing attention is needed to maintain the health of this waterway. By protecting the health of the Lynnhaven, we help species like the flounder take part in the larger and vibrant marine food web of the Chesapeake Bay.

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Some other captive critters we find are:

• Oyster Toadfish, Spotfin Butterfly Fish, Sea Bass, Pinfish and Blennies, Juvenile Sheepshead, Gobies Grunts & Skilletfish,

• and other shellfish like scallops, razor clams, and the predatory driller snails.