How to Identify Turbot

To identify Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface varies from sandy brown to greenish-brown, often mottled with darker spots and blotches, providing excellent camouflage. The ventral surface is white. Coloration can change to match the substrate.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Nearly circular, highly compressed body shape., Rough, scaleless skin covered with numerous bony tubercles (ossicles) on the eyed side., Left-eyed flatfish (eyes are on the left side of the head when viewed from the front)., Large, wide mouth with numerous small, sharp teeth.

Dorsal fin

Long, extending from the head to the caudal fin, with 57-92 soft rays. The first few rays are unbranched.

Tail fin

Rounded or slightly truncate, not forked.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed, rounded, located on both sides.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are symmetrical and located anterior to the pectoral fins, with 9-10 rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a nearly circular, very flat body. This distinguishes it from more oval-shaped flatfish.

2. 2

   Skin Texture

   Feel for the rough, scaleless skin covered with bony tubercles on the upper (eyed) side. This is a key diagnostic feature.

3. 3

   Eye Position

   Confirm that both eyes are on the left side of the head. This identifies it as a 'left-eyed' flatfish.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Note the large, wide mouth with a prominent lower jaw, indicating its predatory nature.

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