How to Identify Pacific Halibut

To identify Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

The eyed side (dorsal) is typically dark brown, olive, or grayish, often mottled with lighter and darker spots, providing camouflage against the seabed. The blind side (ventral) is pure white, sometimes with yellowish or grayish blotches.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Both eyes on the right side of the head (dextral)., Large mouth extending to below the middle of the lower eye., Strong, conical teeth., High arch in the lateral line above the pectoral fin., Deeply forked caudal fin (tail).

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous dorsal fin extending from above the eye to the caudal peduncle, typically with 89-109 rays.

Tail fin

Large, deeply forked caudal fin, distinguishing it from other flatfish with rounded or truncate tails.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, located on both sides, but more prominent on the eyed side.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is also long and continuous, with 64-81 rays, mirroring the dorsal fin shape.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Eye Placement

   Both eyes are on the right side of the head (dextral). This is a key differentiator from many other flatfish.

2. 2

   Lateral Line Arch

   The lateral line makes a distinct, high arch above the pectoral fin. This is a reliable identification feature.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin Shape

   The tail fin is deeply forked, unlike the rounded or truncate tails of many other flatfish species.

4. 4

   Mouth Size

   Possesses a large mouth that extends to below the middle of the lower eye, indicative of its predatory nature.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Dark, mottled eyed side for camouflage and a pure white blind side.

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