Both eyes on one side of head in juveniles and adults. Eyes symmetrical in larvae, migration of either left or right eye at end of pelagic larval stage. This transformation (metamorphosis) occurs very rapidly. Soon after, juveniles settle on bottom (Ahlstrom et al., 1984a). In some flatfish groups, eyes on left side (Psettoididae, Citharidae, Bothidae, Achiropsettidae, Scophthalmidae, Paralichthyidae and Cynoglossidae), in others on the right side (Pleuronectidae, Samaridae, Achiridae and Soleidae). However, both right-eye and left-eye individuals may occur in some species (e.g. Platichthys stellatus) (Nelson, 1994).
Families treated:
Family Achiridae (American soles)
Family Achiropsettidae (southern flounders)
Family Bothidae (lefteye flounders)
Family Citharidae (citharids)
Family Cynoglossidae (tonguefishes)
Family Paralichthyidae (large-tooth flounders)
Family Soleidae (soles)
Table Pleuronectiformes
22 geographic zones