Scaldfish

Identification

A small left-eyed flatfish of 10 to 20 cm. Extremely thin, almost transparent — internal organs visible through the skin. Light brown to yellowish-grey. Males have elongated rays at the front of the dorsal fin.

Ecology

Lives on soft sandy bottoms at 10 to 200 meters. Hunts small crustaceans and fish larvae. Regularly swims just above the bottom, unusual for a flatfish.

In the Netherlands

Found in the southern North Sea. No commercial value due to tiny size and paper-thin body.