Panther flounder
Bothus pantherinus
Special features
The male Pantherbutt can raise its pectoral fins when it feels threatened, is defending its territory, or wants to show its readiness to mate.
Appearance
The Pantherbutt has a distinctive, round, flattened body with bright yellow to orange patterns on its back. Its signature black "panther spot" near the rear gives it a unique look, making it easily recognizable. With its silvery-blue sides and elegant tail fin, the Pantherbutt is a true masterpiece of nature, moving with graceful fluidity.
Natural enemies
Predatory fish
Dangerous/Venomous
Panther butts are neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. Mouth
2. Moving eye
3. Round, flat body
Pro tips
Flatfish, including flounder and sole, are known for their asymmetrical, heavily flattened bodies. What's fascinating is that in their larval stage, they have a typical fish shape, but as they develop, one of their eyes shifts to the other side, and their body becomes flat. Remarkably, only the top side of these fish is pigmented, allowing them to blend perfectly with the ocean floor, making them nearly invisible in their environment. These bottom-dwelling predators hunt invertebrates and other fish, and when threatened, they can bury themselves in soft sand, leaving only their eyes visible—perfect camouflage to stay safe from predators.
Text: Carolina Leiter
Pic: Felician Hosp
Illustration: Dive Dict
