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Flounder - Paralichthys albigutta
Family Bothidae, LEFTEYE FLOUNDERS
Description: Body color brown, its shade depending on color of bottom, with numerous spots and blotches; 3 prominent eye-like spots forming a triangle; one spot on lateral line, one above, one below; numerous white spots scattered over body and fins (albigutta, white spotted); strong canine-like teeth; caudal fin in shape of wedge, its tip in the middle
Similar fish: Southern flounder, P lethostigma (no eye-like spots; color pattern is key to distinguishing the two species).
Where found: INSHORE on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into tidal creeks; occasionally caught on NEARSHORE rocky reefs.
Size: Common to 2 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder.
Remarks: Hatches into usual fish form, but right eye migrates overt to left side early in life; a bottom dweller; thought to spawn offshore; feeds on crustaceans and small fishes.
Florida record:
Regulations:
Size Limit: 12"
Season:
Bag Limit: 10 per person per day.
Comments: May be harvested by spearing.
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads and tails intact)
Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with life or dead natural bait.
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