---
title: Panther Flounder (Bothus pantherinus)
scientific_name: Bothus pantherinus
common_name: Panther Flounder
taxon: Lefteye flounders
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2023-12-18T22:24:28.801Z
updated: 2026-08-08T19:41:42.163Z
tags: Panther Flounder, Bothus pantherinus, Lefteye flounders, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/lefteye-flounders/panther-flounder
---

# Panther Flounder (*Bothus pantherinus*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Lefteye flounders
- **Size:** 20 - 39 cm
- **Depth:** 3-150 m
- **Diet:** Carnivore
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Habitat:** Sand, mud, rubble, seagrass beds, reef flats
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

## How to recognise it

- dark spots and rings on body and fins
- three prominent dark blotches on lateral line
- eyes on left side of head

The Panther Flounder, Bothus pantherinus, belongs to the family Bothidae and is also known as the Panther Yellowsnout Flounder or Leopard Flounder. It has an oval, laterally compressed body, typically measuring around 20 centimeters (8 inches) in length, reaching a maximum of 39 centimeters (15 inches). Females are generally larger than males. Its eyes are positioned on the right side of its head. The body and fins display a pattern of dark spots and rings, reminiscent of a panther's coat, which gives the species its common name. This pattern allows for effective camouflage; the flounder can rapidly change its coloration and skin texture to match its surroundings.

It inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms, seagrass beds, and coral reef flats, found at depths ranging from 3 to 150 meters (10 to 492 feet). Juveniles may occur in very shallow reef lagoons. This benthic species is an ambush predator, remaining buried in the substrate or motionless, waiting for prey. It feeds primarily on small crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, striking rapidly when prey approaches. It has long dorsal fins with 84 to 97 soft rays and anal fins with 61 to 73 soft rays.

## Also known as

- **English:** leopard flounder, panther flounder
- **French:** Rombou Léopard, Turbot panthère, Rombou-léopard
- **Spanish:** Lenguado Leopardo
- **Japanese:** トゲダルマガレイ, Togedarumagarei
- **Chinese:** 半邊魚, 扁魚, 比目魚
- **Russian:** Пятнистый ботус
- **TAH:** pati'i

## Scientific synonyms

- *Bothus pantherhines* (Rüppell, 1830)
- *Bothus pantherhinus* (Rüppell, 1830)
- *Passer marchionessarum* Valenciennes, 1846
- *Platophrys pantherines* (Rüppell, 1830)
- *Platophrys pantherinus* (Rüppell, 1830)
- *Rhomboidichthys pantherinus* (Rüppell, 1830)
- *Rhombus pantherinus* Rüppell, 1830

## Range

Djibouti, Federal Republic of Somalia, Kenya, Mozambique, Red Sea, Republic of Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/lefteye-flounders/panther-flounder)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*