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Flatfish are the fish with both eyes on one side of the head, lying flat on the bottom and blending into the sand. In Malay they are called ikan sebelah. A few small soles and flounders tolerate fresh or slightly brackish water, and they turn up in the hobby as true oddballs for keepers who like something unusual.
They are fascinating to watch as they ripple across the sand, bury themselves and hunt small worms, but they are not easy fish. FishyHub lists freshwater flatfish from Malaysian aquarium shops and sellers when available, with prices in RM.
Small Asian soles, such as Brachirus species, are the most common "freshwater flatfish". They often have spotted or mottled patterns and stay fairly small. Many come from estuaries and lower rivers, so some salt can help long term.
Other species are sold under names like freshwater flounder or hogchoker. Common names are unreliable, so always ask the seller for the scientific name and whether the fish has been kept in fresh or brackish water.
| Care point | Freshwater flatfish |
|---|---|
| Temperature | About 24–28°C. Malaysian room temperature is usually fine; keep the tank out of direct sun. |
| Minimum tank | 2 kaki (60 × 30 cm footprint, about 55–65 L) for small soles; floor area matters most. |
| Water | Fresh to light brackish, depending on species. Ask the seller. |
| Temperament | Peaceful; eats only very small fish and shrimp. |
| Diet | Live or frozen bloodworm, blackworm, artemia and other small meaty foods. |
| Beginner-friendly? | No. Feeding is the main challenge. |
Fine, soft sand is essential, as flatfish bury themselves to rest and feel secure. Keep a large area of the bottom open and avoid sharp rocks. Gentle flow and stable water quality suit them best. A species-only tank, or one with calm mid-water fish, gives the flatfish the best chance to feed.
Most flatfish will only take live or frozen foods at first, especially live cacing darah (bloodworm) and blackworm. Target-feed close to the fish with a pipette or tweezers, ideally in the evening. Avoid fast bottom feeders such as corydoras or loaches in the same tank, as they will find the food first. A flatfish that is getting thinner, with a hollow look behind the head, is not eating enough.
Ask the seller what the fish is eating now, how long it has been in stock and whether it is kept in fresh or brackish water. Check the photo shows the actual fish, the current size, and the delivery or self-collect options and live-arrival policy. Prices in RM depend on species and availability, which varies a lot.
Sesetengah spesies kecil boleh hidup dalam air tawar, tetapi banyak yang lebih sihat dalam air payau. Tanya penjual jenis air yang digunakan sebelum membeli.
Ia makan makanan hidup atau beku seperti cacing darah, cacing kecil dan artemia. Beri makan dekat dengan ikan supaya ikan lain tidak merebutnya.
Burying is normal resting behaviour. It is a concern only if the fish never comes out to feed or is losing weight.
It is not ideal. Corydoras feed quickly on the bottom and can out-compete a slow flatfish for food.
Browse freshwater flatfish from Malaysian sellers and compare prices in RM. Prepare with fine aquarium sand, live or frozen bloodworm and a gentle filter before your new ikan sebelah arrives.
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