Zeugopterus regius (Bonnaterre, 1788)

Eckstrom's Topknot

Zeugopterus regius

Description: Bloch's topknot is a relatively broad bodied, left-eyed flatfish with a small head and a deep notch in front of the upper eye. The dorsal and anal fins continue on to the underside of the body, forming distinct lobes. The background colour is pale brown with irregular dusky patches and a dark blotch towards the tail end. Adult fish can grow to 20cm long.

Habitat: This species is usually encountered amongst rocks and on rough ground and may cling to the undersides of rocks.

Distribution: This species appears to be restricted to Atlantic coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: This species is similar to the topknot (Zeugopterus punctatus) and the Norwegian topknot (Phrynorhombus norvegicus) but can be readily distinguished by the characteristic notch in front of the upper eye.

Key Identification Features:

• Left-eyed flatfish
• Notch in snout
• Distinctive dark blotch towards tail-end
• Dorsal and anal fins continue on to underside of body forming lobes
• Lives amongst rock or rough ground

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database