European Flounder (Platichthys flesus)

The European Flounder or Platichthys flesus is just one of the five different species of Flounder. This flatfish is known best for its delicious flavor and strange appearance. The European Flounder can actually change its color to match its surroundings. This along with the fact that this salt water fish is very slim, and often found on the bottom makes the Flounder one hard fish to spot.European Flounder are found in the Northern European coastal waters and are oval in shape and usually right-eyed. When the European Flounder is first born they have an eye on each side of its head, but as they grow older one eye migrates to the other side of their bodies. This makes the eyes face upwards which helps them spot potential prey swimming by. They can grow to about 50cm in maximum length (20 inches) and weight of 2.7 kg (6 pounds). When not blending into their surroundings they are a brownish coloration with a white underbelly.The European Flounder can survive in brackish waters with soft bottom. They will often burrow into the bottom and lie and wait for an easy unsuspecting meal to swim by. They are nocturnal, feeding often under the cover of darkness. Spawning for the European Flounder occurs during the months of February through June. You can check out the European Flounder underwater in the video below...

If you have any additional information about the European Flounder including recipes or fishing tips please let us know.

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