flounders

[fishlady]

the new so called freshwater flounders (brackish)
they moved the sand


they are so cute

[DBrossman]

That is pretty cool

[fishlady]

they are different

[fiesta90150]

never seen any of those whats the scientific name?

[thelub]

Is that a version of a ray or is it a true morphing flounder?

[fishlady]

Common name/s: Freshwater flounder, hog choker

Scientific name: Trinectes maculates

Family: Achiridae

Origin: Estuaries from Massachusetts to Venezuela, mostly found around the gulf of Mexico

Maximum size:4-6 in. Mostly sold at around 1 in

Care: These guys are brackish fish that can only survive in freshwater for short amounts of time. like most brackish fish, they are born upstream in freshwater and make their way to the ocean throughout their life, hence, the amount of salt (marine salt of course) should be increased as they grow older-eventually full marine conditions are needed.
A sand substrate is imperative as they like to bury themselves, they can cut, crush or trap themselves under gravel
They are peaceful bottom dwellers that may prey on very small slow fish

Feeding: Meaty foods that sink. in the wild, they feed on small crustaceans and worms. They are nocturnal and are more likely to feed at night. Frozen foods, live grindal worms, bloodworms or brine shrimp, clean earthworms for larger specimens. Eventually they can be weaned onto sinking pellets. Algae wafers do contain fish meal but they are not an acceptable food source for flounders

Breeding: Only in the wild.The fry look like normal fry but as they get older, one eye starts to migrate to the right side.

Comments: Colours and patterns can range from fish to fish. There are several species in the aquarium trade bearing the name "freshwater flounder." Trinectes maculatus is the most common although they are often mislabelled as Achirus Lineatus. These are amazing and unique fish but they definitely are not for everyone. If given the right conditions brackish water, sand substrate, peaceful tank mates and the correct foods, flounders are actually hardy and certainly something to watch.