Adding Flats the Flounder to My Bikini Bottom Aquarium: Will Patrick Star Be Safe? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to bring Bikini Bottom into your own living space? My aquarium already features Patrick Star, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Mr. Krabs - but I couldn't resist expanding the cast. Today, I decided to invite another animated resident: Flats the Flounder. In the show, Flats isn't exactly the friendliest fellow - he's known for his constant threats to SpongeBob. But when you translate this cartoon character into a real-life fish, you get an actual flounder: a flat-bodied species with both eyes on one side, a crooked mouth, and a shape so unique it borders on the abstract. Flounders are fascinating creatures for more than just their bizarre appearance. They've adapted to rest on one side, camouflaging themselves on the ocean floor to ambush prey. Because of these traits, this flat fish truly stands out - no wonder the creators at SpongeBob SquarePants gave Flats such a striking design. I ended up purchasing three flounders in one go, and I'm honestly curious to see how they'll interact with my beloved starfish. In real life, Patrick Star's counterpart is far more predatory than his lovable cartoon persona. Starfish can be rather voracious, so I'll be keeping a close eye on them to make sure no one ends up being someone else's lunch! Before introducing Flats into the tank, I made sure to properly acclimate him to the water temperature and conditions. This step is crucial for any new fish, especially delicate species like flounders. Once he settled in, it was time to observe their initial interactions. Will they coexist peacefully, or will chaos ensue? The anticipation is part of the fun - and part of the learning experience in marine husbandry. After all, adding a cartoon character into a real aquatic environment offers a glimpse of how different real-life marine species actually behave. As for who's next on my list, the possibilities are endless. Plankton? Gary the Snail? Maybe even Sandy Cheeks, although her real-world counterpart would be a squirrel - not exactly suited for life in a fish tank! Stay tuned as I continue to bring more Bikini Bottom friends (or foes) into this underwater world. If nothing else, it's a reminder that the ocean hosts countless species, each one more interesting than the last. From starfish to flounders, these creatures prove that fact often outdoes fiction when it comes to the unexpected wonders of marine life. #spongebob #bikinibottom #patrickstar #flatstheflounder - @animaltalkz