Topknot

Zeugopterus punctatus is a species of left eyed flatfish in the family Scophthalmidae, from the eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Zeugopterus punctatus is a small left-sided flatfish that is almost completely round in shape, with a broad body relative to its length. It is a mottled brown and white colour with light wide fins all the way round and has a very small tail, unlike most other flatfish, it does not seem to change colour for camouflage but relies on immobility to avoid detection. Zeugopterus punctatus grows to a maximum length of abour 25 cm. It is sometimes confused with the lemon sole Microstomus kitti which can be found I rocky substrates too but has a noticeable pattern on its back, does not have such long fins and is a more pointed shape. The eyed side is covered in small ctenoid scales while the blind side has cycloid scales, the many small ctenoid scales feel downy to the touch.