Because "R. leporina" has small eyes that are located further back from the snout tip, they lack vision around their mouth region. This is compensated by an enhanced sense of touch in the anterior rays of the dorsal fins, the lateral lines along the body. The anterior rays are used to sense prey buried under sediment, or in turbulent water, and the lateral lines detect waves of pressure and low-frequency sound in the water. This species also has fin rays modified with taste buds, and a tongue and more taste buds located on the blind side of the head. These help the flounder to distinguish prey from any unwanted matter as it eats.