Summer Flounder: Description, Habitat, Diet, And Commercial Importance
The summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), also known as the fluke or fluke fish, is a species of flatfish found primarily in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. It possesses a flat, oval-shaped body with a dark brown or olive coloration, distinctive eye placement on the right side of its head, and a length ranging between 20 to 40 inches. Summer flounders inhabit sandy or muddy seabed habitats from shallow inshore waters to depths of 200 feet, feeding on a variety of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Reaching a maximum lifespan of 15 years, they spawn during the spring and early summer, releasing eggs that hatch into free-floating larvae. The species is of high commercial value, but fishing regulations are in place to ensure sustainable harvest.
