Fin's Fish Guide
The American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 83 cm.
North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean, with a northwestern and a northeastern subspecies; lives on soft bottoms.
Description
American plaice is a right-eyed flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae growing to more than 80 cm. The body is elongate with a relatively large mouth, rough scales and an almost straight lateral line; the dorsal fin begins above the eye. The upper side is brown while the blind underside is white. It inhabits cold, soft bottoms across the northern Atlantic and Arctic Ocean to depths of several hundred metres, feeding on invertebrates and small fishes. A batch spawner, it releases around 50,000 pelagic eggs. Fishing pressure has sharply reduced Atlantic stocks, and the species is now assessed as Endangered.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the American plaice?
The American plaice has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Right-eyed flatfish with a large mouth, rough scales and an almost straight lateral line; the dorsal fin begins above the eye.
Where does the American plaice live?
The American plaice lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean, with a northwestern and a northeastern subspecies; lives on soft bottoms.
How big does the American plaice get?
The American plaice grows to a maximum of about 83 cm.
Is the American plaice dangerous to humans?
No, the American plaice is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the American plaice edible?
Yes, the American plaice is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the American plaice and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hippoglossoides
More from the family Pleuronectidae
Want the complete picture on the American plaice?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the American plaice is one of 12,519 species in the app.