Brill
A slender flatfish found in the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean.
The brill is a flatfish species living in the northeast Atlantic, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean. It prefers sandy or muddy seabeds in shallow to moderately deep waters. Chefs value it less than turbot due to its lighter texture and milder flavour.
- Reaches lengths of up to 75 cm and weights of 8 kg.
- Found in the northeast Atlantic, Black Sea, and Mediterranean.
- Has a frilly dorsal fin due to unconnected membrane sections.
- Flesh is lighter and less rich in flavour than turbot.
What it is
The brill is a species of flatfish belonging to the turbot family. It has a slender body covered in brown skin with light and dark flecks, while the underside is cream or pinkish white. The tailfin lacks these flecks. A distinctive feature is part of the dorsal fin, which is not connected to the membrane, creating a frilly look. This fish can change its colour to match its surroundings. Adults reach up to 75 cm in length and weigh as much as 8 kg, though most are smaller.
Where it lives
This species inhabits the northeast Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean. It lives primarily in offshore waters but is also found in shallower areas. The brill typically stays near the seabed at depths of less than 100 meters. It prefers substrates that are either sandy or muddy, depending on the specific location. These habitats allow it to bury itself and remain hidden from predators and prey.
How it lives
Brill spend their time on the sea floor, using their ability to camouflage against sand or mud. They live for an average of six years. While specific dietary habits are not detailed here, their position on the seabed suggests they feed on bottom-dwelling organisms. Their slender shape and colouration help them blend into the environment. They are sometimes mistaken for turbot, a related species that has a more diamond-shaped body.
Fish and people
Fishermen catch brill for food, although it is often considered inferior to turbot by chefs. The flesh is described as lighter in texture and somewhat friable or floury. It has a considerably less rich flavour compared to turbot. In Canada, outside the natural range of this species, local fishermen use the name brill for the petrale sole. This causes confusion, as the petrale sole is a different fish entirely. The brill remains a traditional catch in European waters.
Questions people ask about Brill
What is the difference between brill and turbot?
Brill have slender bodies, while turbot are more diamond-shaped. Brill flesh is lighter and less rich in flavour. The two are related and can hybridise, but chefs generally prefer turbot.
Where does the brill live?
It is found in the northeast Atlantic, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean. It prefers sandy or muddy seabeds in shallow waters or at depths below 100 meters.
Why is brill called petrale sole in Canada?
This is a local naming convention by fishermen on the west coast of Canada. The petrale sole is a different species, and this name is used outside the natural range of the true brill.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Brill (fish)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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