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Platichthys flesus, commonly known as the European Flounder or Passera di mare, is a demersal flatfish belonging to the family Pleuronectidae. It is characterized by its flattened body, with both eyes typically on the right side (dextral), though sinistral individuals are not uncommon. This species exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in a wide range of salinities from marine to freshwater environments, making it a euryhaline fish. It is an important component of coastal and estuarine ecosystems across its extensive range.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- flat
- Colorazione
- The eyed side (dorsal) is typically olive-brown to grey-brown, often mottled with darker spots and blotches, providing excellent camouflage against the seabed. The blind side (ventral) is white, sometimes with yellowish or brownish patches. Some individuals may exhibit orange or reddish spots, particularly along the lateral line.
- Tipo di squame
- ctenoid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Eyes typically on the right side (dextral), but sinistral individuals are common (up to 30% in some populations)., Lateral line has a distinct curve above the pectoral fin., Rough, bony tubercles or plates are often present along the lateral line and at the base of the dorsal and anal fins, giving a rough feel., Small mouth with teeth on both jaws, more developed on the blind side.
- Pinna dorsale
- Long, extending from just behind the eyes to the caudal peduncle, with 55-69 soft rays.
- Pinna caudale
- Rounded or slightly truncate, not deeply forked.
- Pinna pettorale
- Small, present on both sides.
- Pinne distintive
- Anal fin is also long, with 39-53 soft rays, mirroring the dorsal fin. Pelvic fins are small and located anteriorly.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Eye Placement
While typically right-eyed (dextral), a significant proportion (up to 30%) can be left-eyed (sinistral). This variability is a key characteristic.
Lateral Line
Observe the lateral line, which has a distinct, strong curve above the pectoral fin. This helps distinguish it from other flatfish.
Skin Texture
Feel the skin along the lateral line and at the base of the dorsal and anal fins for the presence of rough, bony tubercles or plates. This gives it a distinctly rougher feel compared to some other flatfish.
Coloration
Note the variable dorsal coloration (olive-brown to grey-brown, often mottled) and the white blind side, sometimes with yellowish or brownish patches. Reddish spots may be present.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- brackish
- Profondità
- Typically found from shallow coastal waters (0-5 meters) down to depths of about 100 meters, though most common in shallower areas.
- Ambiente
- Demersal, inhabiting sandy, muddy, or gravelly bottoms in coastal marine waters, estuaries, lagoons, and even penetrating far upstream into freshwater rivers. It shows a strong preference for soft substrates where it can burrow.
- Areale geografico
- Widespread in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, from the White Sea and Barents Sea south to the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. Also found along the coasts of Iceland and Greenland.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: advanced
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 500 gallons (for adult specimens)
- Temperatura: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Livello di pH: 7.0-8.5
- Durezza: 10-30 dGH
- Compatibilità: Generally compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized bottom-dwelling fish. Avoid aggressive species or those small enough to be prey.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a large tank with a soft sand or fine gravel substrate for burrowing. Excellent filtration and stable water parameters are crucial due to its sensitivity to water quality. Live or frozen meaty foods are essential. Not typically kept in home aquaria due to size and specific needs.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Spawning typically occurs from February to May. Fishing seasons vary regionally but are often regulated to protect spawning stocks.
- Prezzo di mercato: Varies significantly by region and season, generally moderate.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet
- Consistenza: Firm, flaky white flesh
- Metodi di cottura: Frying, Baking, Grilling, Steaming
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals (e.g., B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium).
Fatti chiave
Euryhaline Championamazing
The European Flounder is one of the most euryhaline fish species, capable of tolerating a wide range of salinities from full marine to pure freshwater, often migrating far up rivers.
Eye Migrationevolution
Like all flatfish, the European Flounder undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis where one eye migrates to the other side of the head, allowing it to lie flat on the seabed.
Camouflage Masterbehavior
Its ability to rapidly change its dorsal coloration to match the substrate allows it to effectively camouflage itself from both predators and prey.
Dietary Opportunistbehavior
The European Flounder is an opportunistic feeder, consuming a wide variety of benthic invertebrates and small fish, adapting its diet to what is available in its diverse habitats.
Sinistralityinteresting
Unusually for a right-eyed flatfish family (Pleuronectidae), a significant proportion of European Flounders are left-eyed (sinistral), a genetic trait that varies geographically.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. Its rough skin can be abrasive.
Specie simili
Plaice
Pleuronectes platessa
Plaice typically has distinct, bright orange or red spots on its eyed side, which are usually smooth to the touch. The lateral line of the plaice is straight, lacking the strong curve above the pectoral fin seen in the flounder. Plaice also lacks the bony tubercles of the flounder.
Dab
Limanda limanda
The Dab has a more pronounced arch in its lateral line, but it's less abrupt than the flounder's. Its skin is very rough due to ctenoid scales, but it lacks the distinct bony tubercles of the flounder. The Dab's caudal fin is more rounded, and its coloration is generally more uniform brown or yellowish-brown without prominent spots.
Sole
Solea solea
Soles (family Soleidae) have a much more oval body shape, a very small mouth positioned ventrally, and eyes that are very close together. Their dorsal and anal fins are confluent with the caudal fin, unlike the distinct caudal fin of the flounder. Soles also lack the bony tubercles.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Pleuronectiformes
- Famiglia
- Pleuronectidae
- Genere
- Platichthys
- Specie
- Platichthys flesus
Esplora European Flounder
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