Mottled Flounder

Bothus maculiferus

The Mottled Flounder is a demersal reef fish found in the tropical waters of the Western Central Atlantic, ranging from the Bahamas to the Antilles and northern South America. This species typically inhabits soft bottoms and is often encountered at depths shallower than 40 meters, with most sightings occurring above 20 meters. Divers are likely to find them on sandy or muddy substrates, where they blend seamlessly with their surroundings. With a maximum length of 25 cm, the Mottled Flounder is relatively small compared to other flatfish. Its body is adapted for life on the ocean floor, with both eyes positioned on one side of its head, allowing it to lie flat against the substrate. This camouflage ability makes it an effective ambush predator, waiting for unsuspecting prey to come close. The Mottled Flounder is considered harmless to humans and is a minor component of bycatch in shrimp trawl fisheries. According to the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern. Divers encountering this species will appreciate its cryptic behavior and the challenge of spotting it against the ocean floor.