Family Achiridae: Nine genera, twenty-eight species, some fresh, brackish, mostly marine. Characterized by being "right-handed", with dorsal and anal fins from from caudal, right pelvic attached to anal, and lacking pectoral fins. Preoperculum with a superficial groove.

    Previously these fishes were included in the family Soleidae (the Soles), not "flounders" (which have free pelvic fins and possess pectorals.

Range:

    All Western Atlantic, some in freshwater permanently others for long durations.

Species of Interest/Use/Availability to Aquarists:

Selection

Environment

Habitat

    Not sharp sand (silicates are out), not multi-colored.

    Covers, they jump!

Behavior

    Mention color change/camouflage, burrowing, reclusive, nocturnal

    Tankmates, non-aggressive, not eager eaters.

Foods/Feeding/Nutrition

    Most need live foods, near them, like tubificid worms. small livebearers, ghost shrimp when larger. Can be trained onto dead meaty foods. Twice a week feedings are fine.

Disease

    Due to thick slime coats, bottom scratching behavior, these fishes tend to be external parasite resistant, though they can get/succumb to ich, velvet... These complaints are easily treated with manipulation of salt content, as the single celled protozoans are not nearly as adaptable to quick changes in salinity.

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Luling, K.H. 1965. The Small Sole, Achirus fasciatus. TFH 5/65.

Starinchuk, Justin. 1988. Freshwater Flounders?!! FAMA 2/88.