Carrelet

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Carrelet
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
Missing taxonomy template ([//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?action=edit&title=Template:taxonomy/Psetta&preload=Template:Taxonomy/preload fix]):	Psetta
Species	Template:Taxonomy/Psetta P. P. maxima
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Psetta Psetta P. maxima (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Carrelet (Psetta maxima), also known as the Turbot, is a species of flatfish in the family Scophthalmidae. It is native to marine and brackish waters of the North Atlantic, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. The Carrelet is highly prized as a food fish due to its firm, white flesh and mild flavor.

Description

The Carrelet has a flat, diamond-shaped body, adapted for life on the sea floor. The upper side is typically brown or olive with dark spots, which helps it blend into the seabed, while the underside is white. This species can grow up to 1 meter in length and weigh over 25 kilograms, although sizes around half this are more common.

Habitat and Distribution

The Carrelet is found on sandy, muddy or gravelly bottoms from the intertidal zone down to depths of about 70 meters. It prefers water temperatures between 3 and 18 degrees Celsius. Its range extends from the coastal waters of Norway to the Mediterranean, including the North Sea and parts of the Baltic Sea.

Diet

This species is a carnivorous predator, feeding primarily on other fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. It uses its camouflaged upper surface to ambush prey, lying in wait under a cover of sand or mud.

Reproduction

Carrelet reaches sexual maturity at around 3 to 4 years of age. Spawning occurs from February to April, during which females release up to 14 million eggs. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until hatching.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Carrelet as Least Concern (LC). Although it is subject to commercial fishing, which has led to localized declines, the species is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. Management practices including size limits and closed seasons help maintain sustainable populations.

Culinary Use

Due to its high quality meat, the Carrelet is a popular choice in culinary dishes, especially in European cuisine. It is often sold whole or as fillets and can be baked, fried, or poached.

See also

• Fisheries
• Marine biology
• Conservation biology