Neolaeops microphthalmus (von Bonde, 1922)
Crosseyed flounder
Neolaeops microphthalmus
photo by CSIRO

Family:  Bothidae (Lefteye flounders)
Max. size:  21 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 275 - 400 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: southern Japan, Taiwan, Indo-Australian Archipelago and Natal, South Africa (based on one specimen).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 108-110; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 83-87. Dorsal contour of head with a deep concavity. Snout protruding upward. Mouth rather large, 2.6 to 2.7 times in head length; maxillary extending slightly beyond anterior margin of lower eye. Eyes very small, diameter contained .3 to 4.7 times in head length.
Biology:  Inhabits sand and mud bottoms (Ref. 9824).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 August 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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