Pacific halibut

Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is a species of halibut that lives in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. Pacific Halibut are flatfish, belonging to the family Pleuronectidae. They are known for their large size and are a popular target for commercial and sport fishing.

Description

Pacific Halibut are the largest species of flatfish. They are demersal fish that live on the continental shelf. Pacific Halibut have a diamond shape and are very compressed laterally. The eyes and mouth are on the right side of the body while the color on the right side is a mottled green to brown, the left side is white.

Distribution and habitat

Pacific Halibut are found in the North Pacific, from the Bering Sea and Alaska, to California. They prefer water temperatures between 3-8 degrees Celsius. Pacific Halibut are bottom dwellers and are usually found at depths between 20 and 1,000 meters.

Life cycle

Pacific Halibut spawn in the winter months in deep water. The eggs and larvae are pelagic, floating in the open ocean. After about six months, the juvenile halibut settle to the bottom in shallow coastal waters and begin the transition to their adult form.

Fishing

Pacific Halibut are a valuable species for both commercial and sport fishing. They are caught primarily with longlines and are prized for their size and the quality of their meat.

Conservation

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) manages the Pacific Halibut fishery to ensure sustainable populations. The IPHC conducts research, sets harvest limits, and monitors the health of the population.

See also

• Halibut
• Flatfish
• Fishing
• International Pacific Halibut Commission