Atlantic halibut
📖 Overview
Adults are benthic but occasionally pelagic . Feed mainly on other fishes (cod, haddock, pogge, sand-eels, herring, capelin), but also takes cephalopods, large crustaceans and other bottom-living animals. Batch spawner . Growth rate varies according to density, competition and availability of food. Slow growth rate and late onset of sexual maturity, halibut populations can be seriously affected by overfishing . Utilized fresh, dried or salted, smoked and frozen; can be steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked . Also Ref. 58426.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 98 - 110; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 73 - 85. Uniformly dark brown or black; young marbled or spotted with paler marks .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Atlantic halibut is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
The diet of the Atlantic halibut consists mainly of other fish, for example cod, haddock, herring, pogge, sand eels and capelin, but it will also eat cephalopods, large crustaceans and other benthos organisms. During the first year of their life, halibut mostly feed on plankton. From the age of one year, they feed on krill and small fish until they are around three years old. As the halibut grows, the diet mostly consists of other fish including smaller halibut.
🥚 Reproduction
Males reach sexual maturity at 7-8 years and females at 10-11 years. Spawning happens from December to April, near the bottom (300 to 700 m), at temperatures between 5 and 7°. Egg size 3.0-3.8, larval size at hatching 6.5 mm .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 50 - 2000 m . Temperate; 79°N - 36°N, 77°W - 55°E Atlantic Ocean and adjacent Arctic.
🌿 Ecology
other fishes (cod, haddock, pogge, sand-eels, herring, capelin), but also takes cephalopods, large c
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Atlantic halibut 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 | 17.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 350 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Atlantic halibut 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hippoglossus americanus | Gill | 1864 | Synonym |
| Hippoglossus gigas | Swainson | 1839 | Synonym |
| Hippoglossus hippoglossus | Walbaum | 1792 | Synonym |
| Hippoglossus linnei | Malm | 1877 | Synonym |
| Hippoglossus maximus | Gottsche | 1835 | Synonym |
| Hippoglossus vulgaris | Fleming | 1828 | Heterotypic |
| Pleuronectes hippoglossus | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 27 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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