I have been working on a personal animation project (more news to follow) which involves the mysterious color-changing master of the muddy ocean bottom–the flounder. Regular readers will know that the pleuronectiformes have been my leitmotif for the last couple of years, and sadly, the whole order is woefully under-represented in cartoons: the only flounder anyone knows is Ariel’s annoying sidekick “Flounder” and he was a sergeant-major fish (Abudefduf saxatilis). What a bait-and-switch!
Unfortunately this test gif isn’t quite what I was aiming for. Animation turns out to be ridiculously hard: how on earth did anyone ever make “Snow White” or “Spirited Away”? Yet despite the deficiencies, I think the work conveys some of the great flatfish’s unfathomable grasp of the secrets of the deep. Kindly let me know what you think. I desperately need everyone’s help on this project.
ferrebeekeeper 
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April 4, 2018 at 8:00 AM
Edgar Wright
Dear Desparate,
While unqualified to comment on the artistic merits of the animated flounder, I would like to help on the technical side: https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/best-free-open-source-animation-software/
Best regards, Edgar
April 4, 2018 at 1:17 PM
Wayne
Hi Edgar,
Don’t belittle your critical wherewithal: anybody who can make an internet comment is an art expert (believe me). Thank you so much for the software link.
April 4, 2018 at 10:03 AM
Meg Miller
I very much like the use of color, the bacteria, the mouth and eye movement, and particularly the way the fins subtly move. It does indeed look like a lot of work. Why no moon imagery during the darker phases (idle question)?
April 4, 2018 at 1:14 PM
Wayne
Thank you! I am reworking the image to make it smoother and more powerful. Maybe I can include additional moon phases so it also looks more mysterious. What did you interpret as bacteria? The sphere in the center of the sun/moon phases or the eyes? As always, I really appreciate your comment and your incisive assistance!