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Southern Flounder

Paralichthys lethostigma
Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
Florida
Protected status
None
Also known as
—

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC
Size
Common to 20 inches
Similar species
Gulf flounder, P. albigutta (has only three prominent eyelike spots); summer flounder, P. dentatus (have 5 or more ocellated or eyelike spots on the body) Size: Common to 20 inches
Appearance
  • Bottom-oriented flatfish with both eyes on the left side
  • May have five or more dark spots and blotches on the body, but spots are not eyelike
  • Strong canine-like teeth
  • Wedge-shaped tail, its tip in the middle
Habitat
Brackish bays and estuaries, sometimes ranging into tidal creeks and freshwater.
Behavior
Right eye migrates over to left side early in life. A bottom-dweller thought to spawn offshore. Mostly feeds on small fishes. Ability to camouflage by changing colors to match their surrounding habitat and avoid predators.
Additional information
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Sources
Image credit: © Diane Rome Peebles