Flounder - Pātiki tōtara

Sand flounder, native to New Zealand, thrive in estuaries and shallow coastal waters. Recognizable by their diamond-shaped belly and eyes on one side of their head, they start life with eyes on both sides before one moves to the right. These nocturnal, ambush predators camouflage themselves on the seafloor, feeding on crabs, shrimp, worms, and other bottom-dwelling creatures. With their stealthy hunting skills, they make fascinating, elusive creatures of the night.