Southern flounder
📖 Overview
A cryptic species that tolerates low salinities; occurs frequently in brackish bays and estuaries, even on occasion in fresh water . Minimum depth is at 0.7 meters . Adults are found mostly over mud bottoms in estuaries and coastal waters to about 40 m depth. Taken by anglers inshore from bridges, jetties and small boats. They move to deeper water in winter, but are still easily accessible . Adults feed chiefly on fishes, also on crabs and shrimps. Juveniles take mainly small bottom-living invertebrates. Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten steamed, fried, boiled, microwaved and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Southern flounder is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 1 - 43 m . Subtropical; 37°N - 9°N, 98°W - 59°W south to Trinidad and Tobago.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Southern 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 | 16.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 177 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Southern flounder has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Fluke · Southern Flounder |
| 🇫🇷French | Cardeau de Floride |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Leguando limpio · lenguado limpio |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 漠斑牙鮃 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 137 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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