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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
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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.

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.

Is the Spotted halibut edible?

Yes, the Spotted halibut is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gevlekte heilbot sourced
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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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