flatfish

noun

flat·​fish ˈflat-ˌfish 

: any of an order (Pleuronectiformes) of marine typically bottom-dwelling bony fishes (such as the halibuts, flounders, turbots, and soles) that as adults swim on one side of the laterally compressed body and have both eyes on the upper side

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There are about 600 species of flatfish, which have oval, flattened, bony bodies and are found from tropical to cold waters. Flounder and turbot are two examples. Most flatfish species live at moderate depths along the continental shelf, but some enter or live permanently in freshwater. Flatfishes are carnivorous bottom-dwellers that habitually rest on one side. Both eyes are on one side of the head. The side of the fish with eyes (uppermost as it lies on the bottom) is pigmented, but the lower side is normally white. Some flatfish change color to blend with their surroundings. Species vary from 4 in (10 cm) to 7 ft (2 m) long, and some (for example, the Atlantic halibut) may weigh as much as 720 lb (325 kg).

Examples of flatfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They are called flounder houses after the species of flatfish, which like all flatfish have both eyes on one side of the head instead of an eye on both sides. —Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 5 July 2024

The men nonetheless spotted a flatfish, which instantly answered an old question: Did the sea’s greatest depths harbor life or a bare desert? —William J. Broad, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023

For the right diners, this will be an exciting chance to learn about flatfish anatomy. —Pete Wells, New York Times, 19 Sep. 2023

There’s anew press release out about a fossil flatfish called Heteronectes, which is oddly half-committed. —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2012

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

flatfish

noun

flat·​fish -ˌfish 

: any of a group of marine fishes (as halibuts, flounders, or soles) that as adults swim on one side of the flattened body and have both eyes on the upper side