- Bottom-oriented flatfish with both eyes on the left side
- Numerous spots and blotches on body with three prominent dark, eyelike spots forming a triangle-shape (one spot on lateral line, one above and one below)
- Strong canine-like teeth
- Wedge-shaped tail, its tip in the middle
Similar Species: S outhern flounder, P. lethostigma (may have 5 or more spots but they are not eyelike) ; summer flounder, P. dentatus (have 5 or more ocellated or eyelike spots on the body)
Size: Common to 14 inches (2 pounds)
Habitat & Range
Inshore on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into tidal creeks. Occasionally caught on nearshore rocky reefs.
Life History
Right eye migrates over to left side early in life.
A bottom-dweller thought to spawn offshore.
Feeds on crustaceans and small fishes.
Ability to camouflage by changing colors to match their surrounding habitat and avoid predators.
