Flounder

Summer flounder or fluke (Paralichthys dentatus) live in estuaries and coastal waters from Nova Scotia to Southern Florida, with greatest abundance between Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Most summer flounder inhabit bays and inlets close to the ocean in the summer and move offshore to depths of 120 to 600 feet of water during the fall and winter.

Like other flounders, this species is a bottom-dwelling predator, relying on its flattened shape and ability to change color and pattern on the upper (eyed) side of its body. A predator with quick movements and sharp teeth, the flounder is able to capture the small fishes, squid, sea worms, shrimp and other crustaceans that comprise the bulk of its diet. Summer flounder can live to 20 years of age with females living longer and growing larger than males (up to 95 cm TL (3ft)). The record in NY on rod and reel is 22-7lbs. By Charles Nappi, Hicksville, NY on 09/15/75.

Life Cycle

Summer flounder spawn during their offshore migration, from late summer to midwinter. Larvae and post-larvae drift and migrate inshore, aided by prevailing water currents, and enter the Bay from October through May. Larval flounder have body symmetry and eyes on both sides of their heads. Upon reaching the estuaries, larval flounder undergo a metamorphosis to the post-larval stage. During metamorphosis, the right eye of the larval flounder gradually migrates to the left side of the headthe feature distinguishing summer flounder from winter flounder, whose eyes are on the right sideand the body takes on the flattened appearance that it retains as an adult fish. Once the metamorphosis is complete, the post-larval flounder assumes the adults' bottom-dwelling lifestyle. Juvenile summer flounder often live among eelgrass beds in the bay.