European Flounder and Similar Species
Platichthys flesus
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with European Flounder. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
European Plaice
Pleuronectes platessa
Key differences: Plaice typically have bright orange or red spots on their eyed side and a smoother skin texture. They also have a distinct bony ridge between their eyes. Flounder generally have a rougher skin texture due to bony tubercles and less prominent, if any, orange spots.
Dab
Limanda limanda
Key differences: Dabs are generally smaller, have a more pronounced arch in their lateral line, and their skin feels very rough, almost like sandpaper, due to larger ctenoid scales. Their caudal fin is typically more rounded and often has a yellowish tinge. Flounder's skin is rougher than plaice but generally less so than dab, and the bony tubercles are a key differentiator.
Starry Flounder
Platichthys stellatus
Key differences: The Starry Flounder (found in the North Pacific) is a close relative but has prominent, star-shaped bony plates (tubercles) scattered over its eyed side, and often has alternating black and white or orange bands on its dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. European Flounder lacks these prominent star-shaped plates and fin banding.
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