CURRENT MOON
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Fact File:
Common Name(s):
Flounder (fluke)
Scientific Name:
Platichthys flesus
Usual Size:
30 cm
UK Record Weights from rod/line:
Shore:5-07-00 River Teign, Devon B Sokell 1994
Boat:5-11-08 Fowley, Cornwall AGL Gobbledick 1956
MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:
NFSA minimum size, shore: 25 cm; boat: 25 cm
Identification:
Very white underside. Top surface is greenish-brown, often with indistinct
reddish spots. The scales are rough, with pronounced rough scales along the
lateral line.
Breeding:
Spawning takes place in depths of 20-40 m in Feb-May. Females may produce
up to 2 million eggs. The pelagic larvae move to the bottom in shallow waters
before completing metamorphosis. Maturity is reached at 3-4 years (20-35 cm).
Habitat:
Sandy and muddy bottoms, particularly estuaries. Some flounders may travel
far upstream into completely fresh water.
Bait:
crab throughout the spring, summer and early autumn along with mussel. In
winter lug is good off the beaches, with ragworm excellent in the estuaries.
After Christmas, razorfish is THE bait to use as storms settle
down.