During their larval stage flatfish have symmetrical bodies with one eye on each side, exactly like "other" fish. However, during their early development one of the eyes (right or left, depending on species) migrates to the opposite side of the head. The body suffers a simultaneous compression and becomes flattened. At this point these odd looking creatures leave the water column and live on the bottom , with their eyes turned upwards.
Bony fish
Brill, flounder, kite (Scophthalmus rhombus - Scophthalmidae)
Common sole, common European sole (Solea solea - Soleidae)
European plaice (Pleuronectes platessus - Pleuronectidae)
Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus - Scophthalmidae)













