Further investigations on fincrawling in flatfishes (Teleostei: Pleuronectiformes): phylogenetic implications

Fincrawling is a unique, recognizable behaviour pattern exhibited by many flatfishes (order Pleuronectiformes), whereby the fish uses the fin rays of the dorsal and anal fins to walk over the substratum. The distribution of this behaviour among flatfishes indicates it appeared early in the phylogeny of the Pleuronectiformes. Fincrawling is a common character of the Pleuronectoidei, and a possible synapomorphy of the suborder.