Flat and elliptical body with eyes on one side of head. Skin dark gray to tan/brown or olive-green and dotted with small white spots. Has three to four prominent donut-like spots that resemble eyes (ocellated spots). Significant arch in anterior lateral line. Larger slanted mouth, almost vertical, extends to under but not past the eyes. Shallow and smooth forehead.
Average Maximum Size:
28 cm (11 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
In contrast to the Ocellated Flounder, the Bay Whiff and Fringed Flounder have low lateral line arches and no spots. The Summer Flounder can be discerned from the Ocellated Flounder by the arrangement of its ocellated spots which form a 5-sided dice pattern close to the base of the tail. Southern Flounders lack ocellated spots.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
North Carolina to Gulf of Mexico
Habitat:
Found in shallow coastal salt and brackish waters with sandy or muddy bottoms
