Flounder & Flatfish
Pacific Halibut
Hippoglossus stenolepis
SaltwaterPleuronectidaeNot Overfished
About
Pacific Halibut are flatfish, meaning both eyes are on the same side of their body (the right side). They are strong swimmers and migrate long distances, often from spawning grounds to feeding grounds.
- Average size
- Typically 5-80 lbs, but can reach over 500 lbs and 8 feet in length.
- Colors
- Dark brown or olive on the eyed side, white on the blind side. They can change color to match the seafloor.
- Diet
- As juveniles, they eat small crustaceans and invertebrates. Adults consume a variety of fish (cod, sablefish, pollock), as well as crabs, clams, and other bottom-dwelling organisms.
- Region
- Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California (primarily Alaska and the Pacific Northwest)