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Pacific Leopard Flounder
Lenguado Leopardo del Pacifico
(Bothus leopardinus)
Pacific Leopard Flounder, Bothus leopardinus: The Pacific Leopard Flounder reaches a maximum length of 6 inches. It is fairly easy to identify and cannot be confused with other species due to the unique eye alignment.
The Pacific Leopard Flounder is pale to dark brown in color with numerous star-shaped, pale blotches, some with dark centers, grouped in circles (these are apparent upon collection but not in the photo below).
Distribution in Mexico fishing areas
The Pacific Leopard Flounder is normally found up to 350 feet deep in the water column over flat, sandy bottoms. It is found in all Mexican fishing waters except the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula north of Magdalena Bay.
The Pacific Leopard Flounder is a member of the Bothidae Family, which consists of Left-Eyed Flounders. Globally, there are 131 members of the family in 20 genera.
However, only 5 species from 4 genera are found in Mexican waters. In general, they are all left-eyed with the lower eye well in front of the upper eye and a great distance between the eyes. They have very small mouths. The anal and dorsal fins are not continuous with the caudal fin.
The dorsal fin originates before the top eye, and the eye-side pectoral fin, which originates under the lower eye, is much larger with a longer fin base than the blind side pectoral fin. They have prominent lateral lines only on the eye side with a distinct arch over the pectoral fin. They have small, smooth scales. These flounders are uniquely colored to blend with the substratum. They feed on small fish and crustaceans.
Pacific Leopard Flounder, Bothus leopardinus: Photos courtesy of John Snow.
Pacific Leopard Flounder, Bothus leopardinus: A very rare by-catch when one purchases a “scoop of bait.” Caught while fishing in the surf zone, La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California, Mexico, in April 2006, in 75-degree water, early morning, in 5 to 10-foot deep water utilizing a cast net by panguero bait salesmen. Size, approximately 4 inches. Of limited interest due to its small size and rarity. Description and photos courtesy of John Snow.
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