Eyes on right side of body a
Eyes on right side of body
Eyes on left side of body b
Eyes on left side of body
look closely

Flatfish are often referred to as being “lefties” or “righties” depending on which side of their head has eyes. Larval flatfish start out with eyes on both sides of their head like a typical fish but as they develop, one eye migrates through to the other side. The fish then moves to the bottom of the sea or river with its eyes facing up. To determine if your flatfish is a lefty or righty, turn it so that the tip of its mouth is pointing up.