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Southern Flounder

Paralichthys lethostigma

Also known as

Flounder, Leopard Flounder, Southern Fluke

IUCN status

Least Concern

About the Southern Flounder

The Southern Flounder is a master of disguise, a flatfish with both eyes typically located on its left (upper) side. Its body color expertly mimics the seafloor, ranging from mottled browns and grays to olive, often with indistinct dark spots or blotches that aid in camouflage. This broad, oval-shaped ambush predator can grow quite large, making it the biggest and most commercially significant flounder species in its range. Its unique flattened form allows it to bury itself partially in the sand or mud, waiting patiently for prey.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

Southern Flounder are typically found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like jetties, docks, oyster reefs, or seagrass beds where they can ambush prey. They can tolerate a wide range of salinities, often moving into brackish waters.

Distribution

This species inhabits the eastern and Gulf coasts of the United States, with its range extending from North Carolina southward along the entire Gulf of Mexico coast to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Behaviour

Southern Flounder are classic ambush predators, lying camouflaged and partially buried on the bottom, patiently waiting to strike at unsuspecting prey. They primarily feed on small fish like mullet and menhaden, as well as shrimp and other crustaceans. During colder months, they tend to move offshore to deeper waters for spawning, returning to shallower estuaries and nearshore areas as waters warm. They are most active during tidal movements, especially around ebb tides, when baitfish are carried out of cover.

Edibility

★★★★★

Widely considered one of the finest eating fish, Southern Flounder boasts delicate, white, flaky meat with a mild, sweet flavor. It's excellent prepared in a variety of ways, from baking and broiling to frying.

Lure suggestion

For anglers, live bait such as mud minnows, finger mullet, or shrimp fished on a Carolina rig or a simple jig head is highly effective. Artificial lures like bucktail jigs tipped with a Gulp! shrimp or soft plastic paddletails fished slowly along the bottom also produce excellent results. When fishing, think slow and low, as these bottom dwellers rarely chase fast-moving baits.