Lefteye flounders

Panther flounder (Bothus pantherinus)

The Panther flounder (Bothus pantherinus) belongs to the family Bothidae (lefteye flounders) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen alone. It reaches about 20 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Panther flounder (Bothus pantherinus), a Red Sea fish of the lefteye flounders family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameBothus pantherinus
FamilyLefteye flounders (Bothidae)
Common name (IT)Rombo pantera
Common name (EN)Panther flounder
Maximum size20 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Panther flounder belong to?
The Panther flounder (Bothus pantherinus) belongs to the family Bothidae (lefteye flounders).
Is the Panther flounder dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Panther flounder endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Panther flounder get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 20 cm.

Explore the Panther flounder in 3D in the interactive atlas →