Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albigutta)
| Description: body color brown, its shade depending
on color of bottom, with numerous spots and blotches; 3 prominent eye-like spots forming a
triangle; one spot on lateral line, one above, one below; numerous white spots scattered
over body and fins (albigutta, white-spotted); strong canine-like teeth; caudal fin
in shape of wedge, its tip in the middle.
Similar fish: southern
flounder, P. lethostigma (no eye-like spots; color pattern is key to distinguishing
the two species). |
 |
| Where found: INSHORE on sandy or mud bottoms, often
ranging into tidal creeks; occasionally caught on NEARSHORE rocky reefs.
Size: common to 2 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder. |
Remarks: hatches into usual fish form, but right
eye migrates over to left side early in life; a bottom dweller; thought to spawn offshore;
feeds on crustaceans and small fishes. |
