More rounded shape, its height being up to 58% of its length. Bony fish (both eyes on the left side), eyes further apart than in other flounders. The scales on the ocular side are ctenid and cycloid on the blind side. The upper rays of the pectoral fin are not elongated. First rays of the dorsal fin are not separated. The upper side is light brown, with darker spots. Sandy coloration, with grey-brown speckles. The Madeira and Canary Islands subspecies are dark brown to dark purple.

It looks like Bothus mancus (Flowery Flounder) differing primarily in their size, coloration, habitat, and some aspects of their behavior and diet. Flowery Flounders are typically larger, reaching up to 40 cm, while Wide-eyed Flounders are smaller, around 13-15 cm. Bothus podas can also be confused with species of the genus Scophthalmus, but it differs by its diamond shape.