Indian Halibut

Psettodes erumei is a species of flounder found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Red Sea to northern Australia.

Description

Like other members of its family, it is regarded as one of the most primitive flatfish, having a thicker, less compressed body and a migrated eye that is at the edge of the head rather than on fully on top. The adalah differs from its relatives, such as P. belcheri, by having spiny rays in front of the dorsal fins. It also has multiple stripes along the top of its body, which can range from slightly lighter than its main body color to a pale white. Max length is 64 cm, common length is 50 cm. Max published weight is 9 kg.

Dorsal spines (total): 9 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 38-45; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 33 - 43; Vertebrae: 23 - 25. Body oval and flat, but thicker than in most other flatfishes. Mouth large with strong teeth; maxillary extends well beyond hind edge of lower eye; both eyes on left or right side; upper eye lying immediately below dorsal edge; gill rakers not developed. Dorsal fin origin well posterior to eyes; anterior fin rays spinous; lateral line almost straight. Color usually brown or grey, sometimes with 4 broad, dark crossbars. Dorsal, anal and caudal fin tips black. Blind side occasionally partially colored.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia.

Habitat

It is found on sand and mud bottoms. It's usually deeply burried in the substrate during the day, but out and hunting at night. Often swims in an upright position. It is mainly piscivorous.