| Family: |
Paralichthyidae (Large-tooth flounders) |
| Max. size: |
83 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 9,330.0 g; max. reported age: 8 years |
| Environment: |
demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 43 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Virginia to Texas in USA, northern Mexico, south to Trinidad and Tobago. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
A cryptic species that tolerates low salinities; occurs frequently in brackish bays and estuaries, even on occasion in fresh water (Ref. 9988). Minimum depth is at 0.7 meters (Ref. 128969). Adults are found mostly over mud bottoms in estuaries and coastal waters to about 40 m depth. Taken by anglers inshore from bridges, jetties and small boats. They move to deeper water in winter, but are still easily accessible (Ref. 9988). Adults feed chiefly on fishes, also on crabs and shrimps. Juveniles take mainly small bottom-living invertebrates. Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten steamed, fried, boiled, microwaved and baked (Ref. 9988). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 12 June 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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