Flounder & Flatfish
Halibut
Hippoglossus stenolepis (Pacific Halibut), Hippoglossus hippoglossus (Atlantic Halibut)
SaltwaterPleuronectidaePacific Halibut: Not Endangered. Atlantic Halibut: Endangered
About
Halibut are large flatfish characterized by their diamond shape and both eyes typically on the right side of their body as adults. They are bottom-dwelling fish, spending most of their time on or near the seabed, and are known for their migratory behavior and impressive size.
- Average size
- Typically 30-80 inches, 20-200 lbs, but can grow much larger.
- Colors
- Dark brown or olive on the eyed side, white or pale on the blind side.
- Diet
- Carnivorous; feeds on a variety of fish (cod, pollock, herring), crustaceans (crab, shrimp), and other bottom-dwelling organisms.
- Region
- Pacific Halibut: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California. Atlantic Halibut: North Atlantic, including the coasts of Canada and the northeastern United States.
