Leopard flounder
📖 Overview
Inhabits sandy or silty sand, and muddy bottoms of inner reef flats and seaward reefs; juveniles frequently found in tide pools . Benthic . Feeds on benthic animals . Utilized as a food fish and processed into fish meal .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 84 - 97; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 61 - 73. Eyed side with dark spots, blotches and rings on body and median fins; 1 distinct dark blotch on middle of straight section of lateral line; narrow dark crossbars on eyed side of pectorals . Pectoral rays 9-12 (eyed side) and 9-11 (blind side). : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Leopard flounder is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Leopard flounder is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Leopard flounder is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 150 m . Tropical; 32°N - 32°S, 26°E - 138°W north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.
🌿 Ecology
benthic animals (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Leopard flounder is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 81 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Leopard flounder has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Panther Flounder, Leopard flounder · leopard flounder · panther flounder |
| 🇫🇷French | Rombou Léopard · Rombou-léopard · Turbot panthère |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Togedarumagarei · トゲダルマガレイ |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Lenguado Leopardo |
| 🌍TAH | pati'i |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 半邊魚 · 扁魚 · 比目魚 · 皇帝魚 · 豹紋鮃 · 豹纹鲆 · 豹鮃 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 22 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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