European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Pleuronectes platessa
- Common name
- European plaice
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Pleuronectidae
- Genus
- Pleuronectes
- Size
- 30–100 cm
- Depth
- 0–200 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand
- Behaviours
- benthic, camouflage
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic
Description
Pleuronectes platessa reaches 1 m and 7 kg. Flatfish with a brown-to-olive right side adorned with very characteristic vivid orange spots, white left side (lies on this side). Eyes on the right side. Lives buried in sand on sandy coasts of the NE Atlantic, from Norway to Portugal. From 0 to 200 m. Major commercial fishery in the North Sea. Camouflages in seconds to match the bottom. Sustainable certified fisheries in several areas.
Photo of European plaice
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European plaice?
- European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) reaches 30–100 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European plaice?
- European plaice is found between 0–200 m deep.
- Is the European plaice dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European plaice?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the European plaice?
- Found in: East Atlantic.
Other species in the family Pleuronectidae
- Hippoglossus hippoglossus - Atlantic halibut
- Glyptocephalus cynoglossus - Witch flounder
- Microstomus kitt - Lemon sole
- Limanda limanda - Common dab
- Platichthys flesus - European flounder
- Hippoglossoides platessoides - American plaice
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127143)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 7700106)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia