The leopard flounder (Bothus pantherinus: 25 cms.) changes the colour of the rings on its body to blend in with its environment. Permanent dark areas are present along part of the lateral line. It lives in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, on silty or sandy substrates. As an ambush predator, its impressive camouflage enables it to catch small passing fish and invertebrates which are unaware of its presence. A highly compressed flatfish, both eyes are on the upper side of the animal. If alarmed, as in this instance, it elevates its elo ngated pectoral fin. Photographed near Wolf Island, Galapagos.

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Size: 2565px × 1589px
Location: Near Wolf Island, Galapagos
Photo credit: © Terence Dormer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: adventure, ambush, bothus, camouflage, creation, diving, flatfish, flounder, galapagos, island, leopard, life, marine, natural, pantherinus, predator, scuba, selection, trd5143, underwater, wolf