Summer flounder

Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), also known as Fluke, is a species of flatfish native to the Atlantic Ocean in the coastal waters of the United States and Canada. It is a popular species for recreational fishing and commercial fishing due to its size and the quality of its meat.

Description

The Summer Flounder is a large flatfish that can grow up to 37 inches (93 cm) in length and weigh up to 26 pounds (12 kg). It has a distinctive left-eyed design, meaning its eyes are located on the left side of its body when viewed from above. The color of the Summer Flounder can vary from a dark brown to a lighter tan, depending on its habitat.

Habitat and Distribution

Summer Flounder are found in the Atlantic Ocean, from the southern Gulf of Maine to South Carolina. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms and are often found in estuaries and bays during the summer months. In the winter, they migrate to deeper offshore waters.

Diet

The diet of the Summer Flounder consists mainly of small fish and invertebrates. They are ambush predators, burying themselves in the sand or mud and waiting for prey to pass by.

Reproduction

Summer Flounder spawn in the fall and winter in offshore waters. The eggs float in the water column until they hatch, and the larvae then move to inshore waters.

Fishing

Summer Flounder is a popular species for both commercial and recreational fishing. They are caught using a variety of methods, including trawling, gillnetting, and hook and line fishing.

Conservation

While the Summer Flounder is not currently listed as endangered, it is subject to management measures to ensure sustainable fishing practices. These measures include size and bag limits, as well as seasonal closures.