Flounder

Platichthys flesus · Flatfish

Also called fluke, butt

Hardy estuary flatfish that follows the flood tide up creeks and channels.

How to recognise it

A flatfish, usually with its eyes on the right side.
Rough, bony knobs along the base of the dorsal and anal fins and beside the lateral line; rub a finger along them.
A dull brown or greenish back, sometimes with faint orange spots. Plaice have brighter orange spots and a smooth skin.
Often found up estuaries and into fresh water.

All year in estuaries, a little quieter in high summer.

This profile is a draft: we're still checking it against published studies.

Platichthys flesus · Flatfish

Also called fluke, butt

Hardy estuary flatfish that follows the flood tide up creeks and channels.

Minimum size: Sizes vary along the coast. Pick your spot to see the rule there.
Bag limit: None set for the whole UK.

Minimum sizes around the UK

A flatfish, usually with its eyes on the right side.
Rough, bony knobs along the base of the dorsal and anal fins and beside the lateral line; rub a finger along them.
A dull brown or greenish back, sometimes with faint orange spots. Plaice have brighter orange spots and a smooth skin.
Often found up estuaries and into fresh water.

All year in estuaries, a little quieter in high summer.

This profile is a draft: we're still checking it against published studies.