When does flatfish use the camouflage?

Flatfish use their camouflage all the time! It's their primary defense mechanism.

Here's why:

* Hiding from predators: Their camouflage blends them into the seabed, making it difficult for predators like sharks, birds, and other fish to spot them.

* Ambushing prey: Some flatfish use their camouflage to blend in with the seafloor and ambush unsuspecting prey like shrimp, worms, and smaller fish.

So, while we may think of camouflage as something they use occasionally, it's really a constant part of their lives, helping them survive and thrive in their underwater environment.