Rhombosolea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhombosolea |
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| Black Flounder (R. retiaria), drawing by Dr Tony Ayling | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family: | Pleuronectidae |
| Subfamily: | Rhombosoleinae |
| Genus: | Rhombosolea Günther, 1862 |
| Type species | |
| Rhombosolea monopus Günther 1862
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Rhombosolea is a group of special fish called righteye flounders. These fish are flat and live on the seabed. You can find the four different kinds of Rhombosolea flounders in the waters around New Zealand and southern Australia. They are known for having both of their eyes on the right side of their head!
What are Righteye Flounders?
Flounders are amazing flatfish that live at the bottom of the ocean. They are born looking like normal fish, but as they grow, their bodies change. One eye actually moves across their head to join the other eye on one side! For Rhombosolea flounders, both eyes end up on the right side of their head. This helps them to lie flat on the seafloor and look upwards for food or danger.
Species of Rhombosolea
There are currently four types of Rhombosolea flounders that scientists know about:
- Rhombosolea leporina (Yellowbelly flounder)
- Rhombosolea plebeia (Sand flounder)
- Rhombosolea retiaria (Black flounder)
- Rhombosolea tapirina (Greenback flounder)
Each of these species has its own unique features, but they all share the flat body and right-sided eyes that make them part of the Rhombosolea family.
Where They Live
These fascinating fish are found in the cool waters around New Zealand and the southern parts of Australia. They prefer to live on the sandy or muddy bottoms of coastal areas, estuaries, and sometimes even in rivers. Their flat bodies and camouflaged skin help them blend in perfectly with the seafloor, making them hard to spot!
See also
In Spanish: Rhombosolea para niños
