How to Identify Spotted flounder

To identify Spotted flounder (Pseudopleuronectes herzensteini), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

The ocular (upper) side is typically brownish-gray to olive-brown, often mottled with irregular darker blotches and numerous distinct, dark, often ocellated (ringed) spots. The blind (underside) side is white. The fins usually match the body coloration on the ocular side.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Right-eyed flatfish (eyes on the right side of the head when viewed from above)., Numerous distinct dark spots on the ocular side., Relatively small mouth., Lateral line with a distinct arch above the pectoral fin.

Dorsal fin

Long, extending from just behind the eyes to the caudal peduncle, with 65-80 soft rays. No spines.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly truncate, distinct from dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Small, rounded, present on both sides.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is also long, with 50-65 soft rays, originating just behind the anus and extending to the caudal peduncle. Pelvic fins are small and thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Eye Placement

   Confirm it is a right-eyed flatfish (both eyes on the right side of the head).

2. 2

   Body Coloration and Spots

   Look for the characteristic brownish-gray to olive-brown background color with numerous, distinct, dark, often ringed spots on the upper side. This distinguishes it from other plain-colored flounders.

3. 3

   Lateral Line

   Observe the lateral line, which has a noticeable arch above the pectoral fin.

4. 4

   Mouth Size

   Note the relatively small mouth, which is typical for this genus.

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