The flatfish can be confusing. They look the same and taste good. But what is called a sole in one place can be called a flounder in another place. And often, the names change from the ocean to your plate. So, let’s discover more about these flatfish to clear things up.
Flatfish caught a lot in the United States and the United Kingdom. Some are the same in both places, but many do not. This article will help you understand the most common flatfish in North America and Great Britain. We will also know what makes a fish a flat fish and how everything is related.
What is Flatfish?
What exactly is the flatfish? Well, their names suggest everything about them: fish with flat bodies found on the seafloor—picture fish as Flounder, Halibut, sole, and Turbot. More than 700 species of them are located in the oceans, estuaries, and freshwater throughout the world. They come in various colors, such as speckled brown or with blue and yellow spots.
Now, the interesting part is that flat fish are born round, but their bodies get flattened as they age. Their heads even twist sideways, with one eye moving to join the other on the same sides. These are masters of camouflage, accepting their surroundings with spotty skin and a white underside.
However, not all flat-looking fish are flatfish. This group specifically refers to those with two eyes on one side of their face. So, although they can be similar to rays or skates, flatfish are a unique family, perfectly adapted for life on the ocean floor.
Types of Flatfish in North America:
Now, look closely at different types of flatfish found in North America. If you’re interested in reading about British waters, you can skip ahead, but reading both sections will give you a complete understanding of the flatfish family.
Flounder:
Flounder is a broad term for many types of flatfish. Along with the Atlantic and the Gulf coasts, you will find summer flounder (also called Fluke), winter flounder (known as Lemon sole), and Southern flounder. On the West Coast, you will find a starry and California flounder.
Halibut:
Halibut is a giant flatfish, and the Atlantic Halibut is sadly endangered. Most halibut in North America come from the Pacific, especially Alaska. California Flounder is sometimes called “Halibut,” and there is also a Greenland “Halibut,” which is FDA-renamed Greenland Turbot.
Sole:
American sole is a small-headed fish that can tolerate fresh water. On the Pacific coast, you will find English sole, petrale sole, curling sole, and Pacific Dover sole. On the east coast, there is a winter flounder and witch flounder.
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Plaice:
They are right eye flounder, with the American Plaice being the most common in North America. It is also known as a rough dab in Europe. There is another species called Alaska Plaice, but it is not commercially targeted.
What’s More!!
You can find many other flatfish in North America, which are often sold with different names. The “Turbot” can be the Halibut Greenland, the arrowtooth flounder, or curling sole. “Brill” can really be Pertile sole. But remember, they are all types of flounder!
Types of Flatfish in the UK:
Flatfish is a bit simpler to understand in the United Kingdom than in North America. There are fewer types, and their names make more sense. Let’s look at most of their expected types.
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Flounder:
The only flounder you will find in the United Kingdom is the European Flounder. The British islands extend them and are famous for fishermen and anglers. The European flounder has a long body with wide dorsal fins, giving them a diamond form when it expands. You might confuse them with the European Plaice, but you can tell them apart by verifying a bony ridge in the head, which Plaice have but flounder don’t.
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Plaice:
Plaice is the favorite seafood lover in the United Kingdom. They can be easily identified by their orange spots and rounded dorsal fins. Like flounders, they have a specific head. While Plaice was overfished in the past, its numbers are now increasing.
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Turbot:
Known as the “King of Fish,” Turbot is appreciated for its delicious taste and high prices. However, its popularity has led to overfishing, putting the species at risk. It is advisable to consider other options of flat fish that are more sustainable and economical.
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Sole:
In the United Kingdom, there are two main types of sole: Dover Sole and Lemon Sole. They are different from their American counterparts and are recognized by their long bodies and small heads. Dover Sole is particularly important both commercially and for anglers, while the lemon sole can be more complicated to catch because of its small mouth.
What’s more!!
British chip shops and fishmongers offer a variety of flatfish. Some, like Dab, have become common because other species have become complex, while others, such as Brill, have always been enjoyed but are not as popular as Plaice or Sole. It is important to note that some species, such as the Atlantic halibut, are at risk, so the choice of sustainably managed options, such as Alaska’s halibut, is key.
Summing up, different flatfish names & types
Diving into the world of flatfish shows a surprising fact: their names do not always match what they are. Many fish have the same names, and they can be confused.
But no matter what you call them, all flat fish share a few things in common. They live on the bottom of the ocean, have funny faces, and are well known for their delicious taste. It is probably a flounder if you have caught a fish and are unsure what it is.