Flounder

Japanese Name

かれい

karei

Description

Flounders are flatfish that live on the seafloor, usually in coastal waters.
They have a unique body shape, with both eyes on one side after metamorphosis.
Their coloration helps them blend into sandy or muddy bottoms to avoid predators.
Flounders are carnivorous, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and worms.
They are commonly caught for food and valued in many cuisines worldwide.

Flounders have existed for millions of years, evolving unique asymmetry for bottom-dwelling life.
They appear in historical records of fishing in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
In Japan, flounder (karei) has been consumed since ancient times, especially in coastal regions.
It appears in traditional Japanese dishes like sashimi and grilled fish.
Medieval European texts also mention flatfish as a common food source.
Due to overfishing in some areas, sustainable fishing practices are now encouraged.
Flounders remain an important species in both commercial and recreational fishing.