Flat and compressed elliptical body that tapers to a pointed tail. Skin is mottled with spots of various shades of olive green, gray, brown, white, and tan. Distinct five ocellated spots in dice-like pattern near tail. Both eyes on same side of body. High arch in lateral line behind gills. Large mouth that extends under and past the eyes.
Average Maximum Size:
91.5 cm (36 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Summer Flounder can be distinguished from the Ocellated Flounder and Southern Flounder by the five ocellated spots that form an arrangement similar to the five dot face of a dice near base of its tail. The Summer Flounder differs from Bay Whiff and Fringed Flounder by its highly arched lateral line.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juvenile Summer Flounder exhibit the high lateral line arch of adults which can distinguish them from Fringed Flounder and Bay Whiff.
Range:
Maine to south Florida
Habitat:
Juveniles can be found in shallow coastal salt or brackish waters with sandy and muddy bottoms in estuaries, marsh creeks, seagrass beds, and mud flats. Adults can be found in shallow coastal salt or brackish waters with sandy bottoms such as in marsh creeks, seagrass beds, and sand flats.
