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New Zealand turbot (Colistium nudipinnis) — Pleuronectidae

New Zealand turbot

Colistium nudipinnis

The New Zealand turbot (Colistium nudipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 90 cm.

Length
90 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The New Zealand turbot is a large flatfish (Pleuronectidae) from coastal waters around New Zealand. The species grows to about 90 cm and has a broad, oval, strongly flattened, brown-marbled body with both eyes on the upper side. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal water and ambushes small fish and invertebrates. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the New Zealand turbot?

The New Zealand turbot has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the New Zealand turbot live?

The New Zealand turbot lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the New Zealand turbot get?

The New Zealand turbot grows to a maximum of about 90 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the New Zealand turbot dangerous to humans?

No, the New Zealand turbot is harmless to humans.

Is the New Zealand turbot edible?

Yes, the New Zealand turbot is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Nieuw-Zeelandse tarbot sourced
English name
New Zealand turbot sourced
Scientific name
Colistium nudipinnis
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
Turbot verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
90.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
16.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Colistium

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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