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Blackfin flounder (Glyptocephalus stelleri) — Pleuronectidae

Blackfin flounder

Glyptocephalus stelleri

The Blackfin flounder (Glyptocephalus stelleri) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 52 cm.

Length
52 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
8.0–1600.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Russia, Kuril Is.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The blackfin flounder is a flatfish (Pleuronectidae) from cold coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 52 cm and has an oval, strongly flattened, brownish body with both eyes on the right side and dark-edged fins. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and slope and snaps at small worms, crustaceans and molluscs. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin flounder?

The Blackfin flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Blackfin flounder live?

The Blackfin flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Russia, Kuril Is.

How big does the Blackfin flounder get?

The Blackfin flounder grows to a maximum of about 52 cm. On average the species is around 34 cm.

Is the Blackfin flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfin flounder is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Blackfin flounder edible?

Yes, the Blackfin flounder is commonly eaten.

More photos

Blackfin flounder (Glyptocephalus stelleri) — Pleuronectidae — 2
GBIF (sergeymakeev)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackfin flounder sourced
Scientific name
Glyptocephalus stelleri
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
Korean flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
52.0 verified
Average length (cm)
34.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
8.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1600.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Russia, Kuril Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
23.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Glyptocephalus

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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