Yellowtail Flounder

Limanda ferruginea

The yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) is a right-eyed flatfish found in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Adults reach 35-55 cm and display a flat, oval body with both eyes on the right side. The upper (eyed) side is olive to reddish-brown with irregular rusty spots, while the blind side is white with a distinctive yellow caudal (tail) fin that gives the species its name. They inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms on the continental shelf at depths of 10-100 meters, typically between 20-60 meters. They lie flat on the substrate, partially buried in sediment, using their remarkable camouflage to ambush small invertebrates, worms, and crustaceans. Their ability to change color to match the surrounding substrate demonstrates sophisticated neural control of skin pigment cells. Divers encounter them on sandy bottom dives in the northwest Atlantic, where spotting a well-camouflaged flounder is a satisfying test of observational skills.