{"product_id":"tropical-flounder","title":"Tropical Flounder","description":"\u003ch3\u003eTropical Flounder: The Camouflage Master\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Flounder\u003c\/strong\u003e most often refers to smaller, brightly patterned flatfish species from the family Bothidae (Lefteye Flounders) commonly available in the marine aquarium trade, such as the \u003cstrong\u003ePeacock Flounder\u003c\/strong\u003e (Bothuslunatus) or the \u003cstrong\u003eLeopard Flounder\u003c\/strong\u003e (Bothuspantherinus). These fascinating fish are renowned for their incredible ability to change color and pattern in seconds to perfectly mimic the substrate on which they rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs juveniles, flounders start life like normal fish, with an eye on each side of the head. Within a few weeks, one eye (the right eye, in the case of \u003cstrong\u003eBothidae\u003c\/strong\u003e) migrates over the skull to join the other, allowing the fish to lie flat on its blind (right) side on the sea floor with both eyes looking up. This makes them the ultimate \u003cstrong\u003eambush predators\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile generally peaceful toward their human keepers and large fish, all tropical flounders are dedicated carnivores and will consume any small fish or ornamental invertebrate that crosses their path. They require a large aquarium with a deep, fine-grain sand bed to satisfy their natural burying instinct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e This fish is a dedicated \u003cstrong\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/strong\u003e and an ambush hunter. In the wild, they feed on small fish, crustaceans (shrimp, crabs), and polychaete worms. In the aquarium, they must be target-fed and should be given a varied diet of \u003cstrong\u003efrozen meaty foods\u003c\/strong\u003e like krill, brine shrimp, chunks of squid, and marine silversides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e As they are slow-moving bottom-dwellers, they can easily be outcompeted by faster tankmates. Use long tongs or a baster to \u003cstrong\u003etarget-feed\u003c\/strong\u003e directly onto the substrate near the flounder's hiding spot, or feed after the main tank lights are out, as some species are nocturnal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is \u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe With Extreme Caution\u003c\/strong\u003e. While they ignore corals, they will systematically hunt and consume nearly all ornamental invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails) and any fish that can fit into their mouth. They are generally compatible only with large, robust, and fast-moving tankmates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is \u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful\/Predatory\u003c\/strong\u003e. They are not aggressive toward fish too large to be eaten, but their predatory nature must not be underestimated. They should be kept singly in a Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) system or a specialized setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate Requirement:\u003c\/strong\u003e A very deep, fine-grain \u003cstrong\u003esand substrate (3+ inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e is absolutely essential. Coarse gravel can scratch their delicate skin and prevent them from burying, which is critical for their security and well-being.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts (Based on commonly kept species like Bothuslunatus)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Genus Bothus spp. (Lefteye Flounder family)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical Flounder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peacock Flounder, Plate Fish, Solefish, Wide-eyed Flounder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical Indo-Pacific and Caribbean (Widespread)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 18 inches (25-46 cm) (varies by species)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\/Predatory (Ambush Hunter)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore (Must be target-fed frozen meaty foods)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 Gallons (Requires a large, open sand bed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Extreme Caution (Will eat all small inverts and fish)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SLA","offers":[{"title":"Small\/Medium (2-3.5\")","offer_id":51377897996587,"sku":"2459","price":56.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large (3.5-6\")","offer_id":51377898094891,"sku":"24595","price":71.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/1330\/files\/Tropical-Flounder.webp?v=1760153268","url":"https:\/\/aquariumfish.com\/products\/tropical-flounder","provider":"AquariumFish.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}