Gulf flounder
(Paralichthys albigutta)
General data
The Gulf flounder is a flatfish that swims on its side. Their two eyes look upward when swimming. They have sharp teeth, two eyes on their left side, and a white side opposite.
Paralichthys albigutta is widely distributed in the Gulf of Mexico and a portion of the western North Atlantic.
Adults are found in a variety of habitats, but generally prefer hard, sandy bottoms; juveniles settle in high salinity seagrass beds. Longevity is 7–10 years and females reach maturity between 1–2 years. It is commercially and recreationally exploited.
The center of abundance of Paralichthys albigutta in the Gulf of Mexico is along its northeastern coast. West of the Mississippi River delta, it occurs in very low numbers.
It appears to naturally occur in low abundance in seagrass beds.
