Gulf Flounder

Appearance:

Body is brown in color with the shade depending on the color of the bottom, with numerous spots and blotches.  Three prominent eye-like spots form a triangle with one spot on the lateral line, one above and one below.  Numerous white spots are found scattered over the body and fins (albigutta, white spotted).  Gulf Flounder have strong canine-like teeth.  The caudal fin is in the shape of a wedge.  

Habitat:

Gulf flounder are found inshore on sandy or mud bottoms and are often found in tidal creeks.  They may also be caught occassionally on nearshore rocky reefs. 

Behavior:

Gulf flounder lie on the bottom often partially covered by sand or mud waiting for a prey to come near and then strike suddenly.  Gulf flounder hatch with a typical fish form but the right eye migrates over to the left side early in life. 

These fish are thought to spawn offshore and they feed on crustaceans and small fishes. 

State Record:

20 lb 9 oz, caught in Nassau County 

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Bottom fishing with a jig and live or cut bait can be effective; remember these are ambush predators. They can also be taken with a gig in shallow waters, especially at night.  Excellent table fare.

Additional Information:

Gulf flounder are similar in appearance to the Southern Flounder (P. lethostigma), but the Southern Flounder have no eye-like spots. 

Credit:  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles