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Broad flounder (Paralichthys squamilentus) — Paralichthyidae

Broad flounder

Paralichthys squamilentus
LC · Least Concern

The Broad flounder (Paralichthys squamilentus) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 46 cm.

Length
46 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–230.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The broad flounder is a large flatfish of the family Paralichthyidae from the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 46 cm and has a broad, oval, flattened body with both eyes on the left side; the eyed side is brownish with faint blotches. It inhabits bays, lagoons and shallow coastal waters over soft bottoms, where it stays half-buried. As an ambush bottom predator it seizes small fishes, shrimps and other crustaceans. Lefteye flounders have a fairly large mouth with sharp teeth. The broad flounder is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Broad flounder?

The Broad flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Broad flounder live?

The Broad flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Broad flounder get?

The Broad flounder grows to a maximum of about 46 cm.

Is the Broad flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Broad flounder is harmless to humans.

Is the Broad flounder edible?

Yes, the Broad flounder is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Brede bot (Atlantisch) sourced
English name
Broad flounder verified
Scientific name
Paralichthys squamilentus
Family
Paralichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
46.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
230.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
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 sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Paralichthys

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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