Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth flounder (Pleuronectes putnami) is a fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Description
The smooth flounder is a righteye flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. The species has a flattened, oval body with both eyes on the right side and a conspicuously smooth skin between the eyes, to which the name refers. It inhabits soft mud and sand bottoms of shallow coastal waters, bays and estuaries, and tolerates brackish water. As a bottom predator it feeds on small invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans and molluscs. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth flounder?
The Smooth flounder is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Right-eyed flatfish with smooth skin between the eyes; tolerates brackish water in estuaries.
Where does the Smooth flounder live?
The Smooth flounder is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Atlantic; shallow coastal waters, bays and estuaries.
How big does the Smooth flounder get?
The Smooth flounder grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.
Is the Smooth flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth flounder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smooth flounder edible?
The Smooth flounder is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pleuronectes
More from the family Pleuronectidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.