Witch flounder
📖 Overview
Inhabits soft mud bottoms in fairly deep water . Benthic . Feeds on crustaceans, polychaetes, brittle stars and fishes . Marketed fresh or frozen; eaten steamed, fried, microwaved and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 95 - 120; Anal soft rays: 85 - 102. Pectoral fin of eyed side shorter than head. Distal part of pectoral fin blackish . Large mucus pores on the blind side of the head. Uniform coloration, rough scales. Body elongated with complete straight lateral line .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Witch flounder is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Witch flounder is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Eggs and larvae are pelagic.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 18 - 1570 m , usually 45 - 366 m . Temperate; 2°C - 6°C ; 70°N - 36°N, 79°W - 26°E North Atlantic and adjacent Arctic Ocean.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans, polychaetes, brittle stars (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Witch flounder is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 360 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Witch flounder has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glyptocephalus acadianus | Gill, 1873-74 | — | Synonym |
| Platessa elongata | Yarrell | 1839 | Synonym |
| Pleuronectes cynoglossus | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Pleuronectes nigromanus | Nilsson | 1829 | Synonym |
| Pleuronectes saxicola | Faber | 1828 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2,546 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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