Platichthys flesus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Flounder

Platichthys flesus

Description: This flatfish is oval in shape and is usually right-eyed. Most adults are between 25-30cm in length however it can be up to 50cm. The upper surface is usually dull brown in colour with reddish-brown blotches and the underside is white. Often the colour is camouflaged with the seabed. There are rows of bony tubercles along the lateral line and the bases of the dorsal and anal fins.

Habitat: The flounder usually lives on muddy seabeds from the low shore to at least 50m depth. It feeds on a variety of bottom-living animals e.g. crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Like the plaice, juveniles live in shallow water close to the shore. It is very tolerant of reduced salinities and is frequently found in estuaries.

Distribution: Occurs all around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: The flounder is similar is size and shape to the plaice and dab however bony tubercles along the lateral line and at the bases of the dorsal and anal fins are distinctive of the flounder.

Key Identification Features:

• Rows of bony tubercles along lateral line and atbases of dorsal and anal fins
• Square-end to tail fin

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database