Black flounder

The black flounder (Rhombosolea retiaria), also known by the Māori language name mohoao,^[2] is a species of flatfish in the family Rhombosoleidae, found around New Zealand in shallow enclosed waters and coastal freshwater lakes. Its adult length ranges from 20 to 45 cm (7.9 to 17.7 in).

Black flounder
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Carangiformes
Suborder:	Pleuronectoidei
Family:	Rhombosoleidae
Genus:	Rhombosolea
Species:	R. retiaria
Binomial name
Rhombosolea retiaria Hutton, 1873
Approximate known distribution of the black flounder on a map of New Zealand
Synonyms
Rhombosolea (Adamasoma) retiaria adamas Whitley & Phillipps, 1939

Description

Rhombosolea retiaria is known for its black back and orange spots.^[2]

Habitat

Rhombosolea retiaria is the only species of flounder in New Zealand that can thrive in freshwater. It can be found in streams as far as 100 kilometres (62 mi) inland from the ocean.^[2]