Animals that live in the ocean are forced to
change their habits in order to survive. The adaptation of these animals is
based upon their needs and their ability to survive. One of these such animals
is the flounder fish. The flounder is a complex fish with a unique adaptation.
It is one of the several flatfish that has eyes on both sides of its body. This
fish whose body is flat, has scales and is colored only on one side of its
body-the exposed side.
The Gulf Flounder has the ability to change its color and shape in order to
appear a part of its surrounding. Not only is this a defensive strategy, but it
is also an easier way for the fish to obtain food. The flounder usually has
a brown body color with a lot of spots and blotches. The spots by their eye form
a lateral line and are usually white. The flounder's teeth have the strength of
a dog and use them in order to catch small marine animals like shrimp or other
small fish. All of these characteristics make the flounder an integral part of
the marine food cahin. By adapting, the flounder has proved that it can survive
in the harsh conditions of the ocean.
