Flounder, Southern

Food Quality:

Flounder, Southern

Avg. Length

14-24in

Avg. Weight

2-4lbs

World Record

20lbs 9oz

FL Record

20lbs 9oz

View Regulations

Scientific Name

Paralichthys lethostigma

Common Names

Flounder, Doormat, Mud flounder, Halibut, Southern fluke

Description

The Southern Flounder is a rounded medium sized fish with noticeable eyes and a sizeable mouth. Its coloration ranges from light to dark brown on the eye side, occurring occasionally with white markings or splotches. The underside of the fish is white and it has fins that nearly wrap the body.

Habitat & Behaviour

Southern Flounder can be found near under water structures like piers or rocky bottoms; however they are most common in muddy bottomed channels or at the mouths of bays. They lie in prone disguised on the ocean floor waiting for prey to swim by. During spawning season they migrate offshore to spawning grounds.  

Natural Prey

Southern Flounder subsist on a diet of fish, as well as crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Handling Tips

Netting them is best. Lots of sharp teeth so don’t put fingers in mouth, grab behind the head, from top down, hold vertical to see top side and bottom side (eyes on top side) - pinch right behind the head to hold.