Overview
The largest flatfish in the Western Atlantic. Very popular in the Gulf of Mexico, also caught by night gigging.
Identification
Eyes on the left side of the bodyLarge slanted mouthRounded caudal finWhite undersideProminent lateral linesLong uninterrupted dorsal finAsymmetrical body
- Body
- Laterally flattened body with both eyes on the upper side.
- Colouration
- Olive-brown coloration with irregular black spots on the top side to blend with sandy bottoms.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Not very noticeable
- Growth
- Moderate, although growth can depend on environmental conditions and food availability.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Paralichthyidae
- Order
- Pleuronectiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Paralichthys albiguttaParalichthys dentatusPlatichthys flesusPleuronectes platessaHippoglossus hippoglossus
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, estuaries, brackish
- Preferred bottom
- sand, mud, seagrass
- Geographic distribution
- Along the Atlantic coast of the United States, from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Micro-habitat
- Prefers to partially bury in sandy or muddy bottoms, near underwater vegetation.
Southern flounders easily adapt to brackish habitats and show a preference for less disturbed areas.
Presence by sea area
Na Costa Est CentroPeak
Na Costa Est SudPeak
Na Golfo MessicoPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- shrimp, small fish, crustaceans
- Secondary prey
- crabs, insect larvae, mollusks
- Occasional prey
- annelids, seaweed
- Feeding behaviour
- Uses camouflage to silently approach prey, quickly lunging to catch it with its wide mouth.
- Natural predators
- sharks, large predatory fishes, seabirds
Its feeding method is closely tied to its ability to camouflage in its specific habitat.
Behaviour
- Activity
- nocturnal
- Social behaviour
- solitary
- Aggressiveness
- low
- Migration
- Undertakes seasonal migrations to deeper waters during winter.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Moves closer to coastal areas and estuaries during warmer months; migrates to deeper waters in winter.
- Juveniles
- Young tend to stay closer to the shore and sandy bottoms.
- Adults
- Adults inhabit more varied seabeds and can be found in both brackish and marine waters.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- September, October, November
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic and transparent eggs, small size.
- Larval stage
- The larvae are planktonic, influenced by marine currents until they metamorphose at a young age.
- Sexual maturity
- 2-3 years
When to catch Southern Flounder
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
DayDawn, Dusk
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
estuariessandy baysareas with seagrassnear piers
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
trollingdriftingbottom fishinggigging
Other applicable
Pesca A FondoBeach FishingBeach LedgeringPesca A Fondo LeggeraSurfcastingSurfcasting LeggeroSurfcasting Medio
Recommended baits
shrimpdead fishartificial lurescrabs
Baits by pressure
Low
Bucktail jigJig head + softbaitPaddle tail softbaitShad softbaitShrimp artificiale (gomma)
Medium
Gambero morto / GamberoPesciolino vivoStriscia di calamaroTrancio di sardinaPezzo di pesceSeppia morta
High
ArenicolaVerme americanoVerme di sangue
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Puts up a fight but without excessive jumps or bursts, tends to resist using its flat body.
- Handling
- Handle with care to avoid damaging skin or fins.
- Release
- Gently release in shallow water for a safe recovery.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The southern flounder can reach significant sizes, with documented specimens exceeding 11 pounds, making them coveted catches in sport-fishing along the U.S. Atlantic coast.
- In the kitchen
- Often used for fried fish dishes, very popular cooked 'meunière style'.
- Cultural notes
- Valued for its delicate white flesh, highly sought after by sport anglers.
- Historical notes
- The southern flounder has been traditionally fished for centuries, contributing to the economy of coastal communities in the Atlantic.
