Right eyed flatfish. Colour is usually brownish but can be greyish or greenish to blend in with surroundings. Skin is fairly smooth with small scales and speckled with noticeable orange dots. Has a distinctive ridge of four to seven distinctive bony bumps running across back of head. Underside is white.
Distribution
Found from spring to early autumn on muddy, sandy and shingle seabeds throughout UK and Irish waters. Also present throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Feeds On
Feeds mostly on marine worms, crustaceans and shellfish.
- Scientific name: Pleuronectes platessa
- Also known as: European Plaice
- Size: Up to 26 inches and 10lb (UK shore caught typically 1-3lb)
- UK minimum size: 11in/28cm in length
- UK shore caught record: 8lb 6oz
- IUCN Status: LC (Least Concern)
