Flounder

Masters of disguise, flounders are flat-bodied fish that lie motionless on sandy seabeds, their remarkable camouflage making them nearly invisible until they dart away. Both eyes migrate to one side of their body as they mature, a fascinating adaptation to life on the bottom.

Habitat: Sandy bottoms, muddy seabeds, seagrass margins

Best season: Year-round

In Crete

The wide-eyed flounder (Bothus podas) is common in Cretan waters, particularly in the sandy bays around Almyrida and Georgioupoli. These bottom-dwellers have been part of Mediterranean ecosystems for millennia and are often spotted by observant divers scanning the seafloor. Local fishermen have long appreciated flounder for their delicate, sweet flesh.

Behaviour

Flounders are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand with only their protruding eyes visible. They can change color and pattern to match their surroundings with remarkable precision. When disturbed, they explode from the sand in a cloud of sediment, swimming with an undulating motion before settling again nearby.

Diving tips

Scan sandy bottoms very carefully – their camouflage is exceptional. Look for the subtle outline of their body or the telltale pair of elevated eyes. Move slowly to avoid startling them. Early morning dives when they're actively hunting offer better chances. The sandy areas near Koutalas and Ombros Gialos are prime flounder territory.