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Summer Flounder

Paralichthys dentatus
Managed by: NOAA Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
New England/Mid-AtlanticSoutheast
Protected status
None
Also known as
FlounderFlukeNorthern flukeHirame

Species Profile

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

FWC
Size
Males can grow up to 24 inches and females may reach upwards of 36 inches.
Similar species
Gulf flounder, P. albigutta (has only three prominent eyelike spots); southern flounder, P. lethostigma (may have 5 or more spots but they are not eyelike) Size: Males can grow up to 24 inches and females may reach upwards of 36 inches.
Appearance
  • Bottom-oriented flatfish with both eyes on the left side
  • Several ocellated or eyelike spots on the body, at least five of which are arranged in an "X" pattern
  • Strong canine-like teeth
  • Wedge-shaped tail, its tip in the middle
Habitat
Inshore and offshore waters on or close to the ocean floor buried in sandy substrate. Found in waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to the east coast of Florida, but not in the Gulf of Mexico.
Behavior
Right eye migrates over to left side early in life. A bottom-dweller thought to spawn offshore. Feeds primarily on small fish and crustaceans (shrimp, crabs) Ability to camouflage by changing colors to match their surrounding habitat and avoid predators.
Additional information
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Seafood Profile

Powered by NOAA FishWatch data. Availability and detail varies by species.

NOAA FishWatch
Population
The stock is not overfished.
Fishing rate
Not subject to overfishing.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Taste
Skin is edible. Meat has a delicate flavor.
Texture
Flaky and fine.
Color
White.
Health benefits
Flounder is a good low-fat source of B vitamins and niacin.
Sources
Image credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady