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Gray flounder facts for kids

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Gray flounder
Etropus rimosus.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification

The gray flounder (Etropus rimosus) is a fascinating type of flounder. It belongs to a group of fish called the large-tooth flounders. This flat fish makes its home in the western Atlantic Ocean. You can find it swimming near the coasts from North Carolina all the way down to Florida. It also lives in the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico.

Meet the Gray Flounder

The gray flounder is a small fish. It usually grows to be about 13 centimeters (or 5 inches) long. That's about the size of a small hand! Like other flounders, it has a very flat body. This helps it hide on the ocean floor.

Where Does It Live?

This flounder is a demersal fish. This means it lives close to the bottom of the sea. It prefers warm, sub-tropical waters. You can find it at different depths, from about 7 meters (23 feet) to 180 meters (590 feet) deep. It likes sandy or muddy bottoms where it can blend in.

Unique Features

One of the most interesting things about the gray flounder is its eyes. Unlike most fish, both of its eyes are on the same side of its head! For the gray flounder, both eyes are on its left side. This special feature helps it see what's around while it lies flat on the seabed. It's a great way to spot food or avoid predators.

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