The Indian halibut (Psettodes erumei) is a saltwater fish of the family Psettodidae that grows up to 64 cm.
Indo-West Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia; sandy and muddy bottoms of coastal waters.
Description
The Indian halibut (Psettodes erumei) is a flatfish of the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia. It grows to 64 centimetres and lives on sand and mud bottoms, usually at 20-50 metres. The body is oval and flat but thicker than that of most flatfishes, and in this primitive flatfish group the eyes occur on either the left or the right side. The fish is brown or grey with four broad dark crossbars and black fin tips. It is a decided piscivore with a large mouth. The species is a valued commercial fish, sold mainly fresh.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Indian halibut?
The Indian halibut has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Primitive flatfish with spines in the dorsal fin and eyes that can lie on either the left or the right side; four dark vertical bars.
Where does the Indian halibut live?
The Indian halibut lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia; sandy and muddy bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Indian halibut get?
The Indian halibut grows to a maximum of about 64 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Indian halibut dangerous to humans?
No, the Indian halibut is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Indian halibut edible?
Yes, the Indian halibut is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Psettodes
More from the family Psettodidae

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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Indian halibut is one of 12,519 species in the app.