Diet

• Bothids are primarily carnivorous, bottom-dwelling predators. They feed mainly on small fishes and crustaceans, along with other benthic invertebrates such as worms and molluscs.

Range

• Bothidae is a worldwide family occurring mainly in tropical and temperate marine waters.

• Bothid flounders occur along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the waters around Zihuatanejo.

Habitat

• Most species live directly on sandy or muddy bottoms, where their flattened bodies and camouflage allow them to remain inconspicuous. Some species also occur around rocky or coral reefs.

• They are generally associated with shallow coastal habitats, although some species extend into considerably deeper water.

Description

• Bothidae, commonly called left-eyed flounders, are small to medium-sized flatfishes with strongly flattened, disc-like bodies. Adults have both eyes on the left side of the head, although occasional reversed individuals occur.

• The mouth is asymmetrical and protrusible, and the lower jaw is moderately prominent. The dorsal and anal fins have numerous soft rays and remain separate from the caudal fin; the fins lack spiny rays.

• A distinctive feature is the strongly arched lateral line on the eyed side. The pelvic fins are asymmetrical, with the pelvic fin on the eyed side having a longer base positioned along the midline.

• Bothids can rapidly alter their colour and pattern to blend with sand, mud, rock or reef surfaces, making them difficult to detect while resting on the bottom.