FLAT FISH

RIGHT EYED:

GRAY SOLE/WITCH FLOUNDER:

Found throughout the Gulf of Maine in deeper areas along George Bank's. Averages 24 inches and 3-4 pounds, with 4-10 ounces fillet. Light, slightly sweet, delicate flesh.



WINTER FLOUNDER/BLACK BACK FLOUNDER/MUD DAB:

Found inshore during winter months, mostly in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Averages 1 1/2-2 pounds. Color ranges from redish-brown to deep olive green; white underside. Diamond shape. Delicate, mildly flavorful flesh.



PLAICE/ROUGH DAB:

Found in both sides of the Atlantic; Called European, Irish, American, or Canadian plaice, depending on where it is found; member of flounder family. Small flat fish; 1-3 pounds average size. Firm, sweet, lean flesh; considered good quality.



YELLOW TAIL FLOUNDER:

Found primarily from Labrador to Rhode Island, can be as far south as Virginia. Averages 1-2 pounds. Olive brown with rusty spots; yellow tail; color mirrors the ocean floor, providing protection from predators. Lean, flaky, sweet flesh.



LEMON SOLE:

A winter flounder. Minimum of 3 1/2 pounds, with 8 ounce fillets. White, somewhat firm, mildly sweet flesh.



ROCK SOLE:

Found from the Bering Sea to California and as far west as Japan. Averages less than 5 pounds. Firm, creamy white flesh.



PETRALE/PETRALE SOLE:

Found in the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Mexico; the most important commercial West Coast species. Sold whole or with head, tail, and pigmented skin removed. Average 6-7 pounds. Firm white flesh; similar in eating qualities to lemon sole.



REX SOLE:

Found in cold waters near and around Alaska. Averages 1-2 pounds. Elongated body. Delicate, creamy, white somewhat soft flesh; distinct in flavor.



DOVER SOLE:

Found only in European waters. Pale gray to brown. Small, compressed head; very small eyes; elongated body. Flesh is fattier and firmer than other members of the flat fish family. Dover sole is typically served whole.



HALIBUT:

Found in the Atlantic from Greenland to New Jersey; must be labeled Pacific halibut if from Pacific Ocean. Can be as large as 700 pounds, commonly 15-30 pounds. Gray skin with white mottling. Dense, snow-white flesh; fine texture; mild taste; highest fat content of all low activity flat fish.



LEFT EYED:

FLUKE/SUMMER FLOUNDER:

Found in coastal waters from the Gulf of Maine to the Carolinas. Large mouth extends below and beyond its eyes. White, flaky flesh; delicate flavor and texture.



TURBOT:

Found in the North Sea and European North Atlantic, though mostly farmed in the Iberian Peninsula and Chile. Averages 3-6 pounds. Delicate flavor; firm texture.