Winter Flounder, Common Flounder

Family Pleuronectidae

REMARKS Maximum length over 60 cm, usual length up to 45 cm. The eyed side varies in colour according to the bottom on which the fish lie, but is often reddish brown; whence the French Canadian name plie rouge. Note the straight lateral line. The range of the species is from Labrador to Georgia. It is especially abundant in New England waters. The largest specimens are fished from the Georges Bank; the largest on record weighed 8 lb.

In New England it is usual to call specimens weighing up to 3 lb blackbacks; and those which exceed that weight lemon sole (not to be confused with the lemon sole of European waters).