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Spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) — Pleuronectidae

Spotted halibut

Verasper variegatus

The Spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–149.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Korea (North), Korea (South), Russia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The spotted halibut is a large flatfish (Pleuronectidae) from cold coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 60 cm and has an oval, flattened, brownish body with both eyes on the right side and numerous round, dark-edged spots. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and snaps at small fish, crustaceans and worms. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted halibut?

The Spotted halibut has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted halibut live?

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

How big does the Spotted halibut get?

The Spotted halibut grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.

Is the Spotted halibut dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted halibut 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 Spotted halibut edible?

Yes, the Spotted halibut is commonly eaten.

More photos

Spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) — Pleuronectidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) holyel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) — Pleuronectidae — 3
GBIF (onidiras-iNaturalist)
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All data

Identification

English name
Spotted halibut sourced
Scientific name
Verasper variegatus
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
Spotted halibut verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
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

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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