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Gunther's flounder (Colistium guntheri) — Pleuronectidae

Gunther's flounder

Colistium guntheri
NE · Not Evaluated

The Gunther's flounder (Colistium guntheri) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 91 cm.

Length
91.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
27–49 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Gunther's flounder is a large flatfish endemic to New Zealand in the southwest Pacific. The species can reach over 90 cm and has the typical, strongly asymmetric flatfish body with both eyes on one side. Juveniles stay up to two years in sheltered estuaries, mud and sand flats; adults live on the continental shelf between about 27 and 49 metres. It is a valued commercial flatfish. The fish is harmless to humans; the IUCN has not evaluated it (NE).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gunther's flounder?

The Gunther's flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Gunther's flounder live?

The Gunther's flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Gunther's flounder get?

The Gunther's flounder grows to a maximum of about 91 cm.

Is the Gunther's flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Gunther's flounder is harmless to humans.

Is the Gunther's flounder edible?

Yes, the Gunther's flounder is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gunthers bot verified
English name
Gunther's flounder verified
Scientific name
Colistium guntheri
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
New Zealand brill sourced

Appearance

Max length (cm)
91.4 sourced
Body shape
Flatfish sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
27 sourced
Max depth (m)
49 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen / sleepnet sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Colistium

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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