One way that Samaridae avoid predation is by burying themselves underneath the sand on the ocean floor. They do this by repeatedly hitting their head and body against the sand so it lifts up and falls down on top of the flatfish. This process lasts only a few seconds and is a very effective tool in avoiding detection by predators. Reproduction Samaridae reach sexual maturity between 1 and 15 years of age. Flatfish reproduction takes place over 3 stages: courtship, spawning rise, and a post-spawning return to the sea floor. In Courtship, male flatfish follow female flatfish to the bottom of the sea floor. If the courtship is successful, they rise above the floor, the gametes are released, and then the flatfish return to the seafloor. Feeding Samaridae are carnivorous. Flatfish are predominantly visual feeders, meaning they use their eyes to scan their environments for prey. Flatfish are able to protrude their eyes and raise their head to enhance their ability to search for prey. Most visual feeders consume free moving prey or sedentary benthic prey. Samaridae also use the lateral line to detect motion in the water and track prey. Predation by flatfish occurs in 3 stages: Pursuit, Stalking, and Ambush. In Predation, flatfish use speed to overcome prey. In Stalking, flatfish use stealthy motion to approach prey before pouncing. In Ambush, flatfish use countershading and burying to remain still until prey are within striking distance. Human Impact Fishing Fishing gear and seafloor trawling has an impact on flatfish species. Samaridae do not detect the approaching of trawling gear until it is less than 1 meter away. The net used encourages herding behavior, which lasts around 1 minute and ends when the fish either escapes or is caught in the net. A decrease in water temperature can lead to slowing muscle contraction and a reduction in the speed and endurance of flatfish, making them easier to catch in trawls. References External links ITIS Standard Report Page: Samaridae Marine fish families Taxa named by David Starr Jordan