Greenback Flounder

Rhombosolea tapirina

The Greenback Flounder is a righteye flounder found in the waters around southern Australia and New Zealand. It is characterized by its unique body shape, with eyes located on the right side and a slightly extended snout forming a fleshy process over the mouth. The flounder has a deep body, with a uniform grey coloration on top and yellow beneath. Its scales are small and cycloid, covering most of its body except for the forepart of the head and some fin bases. This species inhabits marine and brackish environments, commonly found on silty sand substrates from estuaries and inshore waters down to a depth of 100 meters. Most occurrences are recorded at depths shallower than 40 meters. While adults are typically found in these environments, juveniles may occasionally enter rivers. The Greenback Flounder is harmless to humans and is utilized in commercial fisheries and experimental aquaculture. Divers encountering this species can expect to find it in demersal zones, often well-camouflaged against the sandy bottom. Its behavior is largely bottom-dwelling and cryptic, making it a master of camouflage. The Greenback Flounder has not been evaluated by the IUCN for conservation status, leaving its population trends unclear.