A bottom-oriented flat fish with eyes on same side (left) of body. Base color is dark olivish-brown to tan, with the front portion of the lateral line arching high over its pectoral fin. Small scattering of small, pale white spots over the body. It has three distinct ocellated spots that form a triangle - one near the base of its tail on lateral line and two behind the pectoral fins, parallel with one another. Large teeth in its mouth.
Average Maximum Size:
71 cm (28 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Gulf Flounder have three distinct ocellated spots that form a triangle, with the narrowest part towards its tail. Summer flounder also have ocellated spots, but form the pattern of the 5-side of a die near the tail. Southern flounder have no ocellated spots. Ocellated Flounder have four distinct ocellated spots. Sand Whiff and Fringed Flounder's lateral lines do not have the high arch that the Gulf Flounder has.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
North Carolina to Panama
Habitat:
Associated shallow coastal waters with sandy or hard bottoms. May enter estuaries.
