The peacock flounder, a marine fish, inhabits the sandy bottoms and coral reefs of tropical and subtropical waters. Typically found in the Western Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Brazil, and parts of the Eastern Atlantic, it is known for its distinctive flat body and unique adaptations. Its flattened, circular shape and eyes positioned on one side of its head allow it to blend seamlessly with its environment. The fish often displays a grayish-brown coloration adorned with vibrant blue rings and spots, further enhancing its camouflage.
Peacock Flounder’s Diet
The peacock flounder is a carnivore. Its dietary habits are solely focused on consuming other marine life, distinguishing it from herbivores that eat plants and omnivores that eat both.
Preferred Prey and Variety
Peacock flounders are active predators, primarily consuming small fish. Their diet also includes a variety of marine invertebrates such as crustaceans, including shrimp and crabs, and sometimes mollusks and octopuses. The specific prey items can vary based on the flounder’s age, size, and the availability of different organisms in its local habitat. For instance, adult peacock flounders typically restrict their feeding to benthic organisms, which are those living on or in the seafloor. Observations have even noted them preying on fish like French grunts and Caribbean sharpnose puffers, indicating a broad range of acceptable targets.
Hunting Strategies and Physical Features
Peacock flounders employ an ambush predator strategy, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey. They often partially bury themselves in the sand, with only their eyes protruding, allowing them to remain hidden while scanning their surroundings. Their flat body shape and ability to rapidly change color and pattern are important for blending into the seafloor, mimicking sand, rubble, or coral. They can even match complex patterns like a checkerboard in seconds, a process involving their vision and hormones.
The placement of both eyes on one side of their head provides a wide field of vision, enabling them to spot prey without moving their body. These eyes can move independently, with one looking forward while the other looks backward, enhancing their predatory effectiveness. When a prey item comes within striking distance, the peacock flounder launches a quick, precise attack. Their jaws contain an irregular double row of small teeth, suitable for grasping their slippery targets.