Yellowtail flounder
A flatfish species found in the western North Atlantic, known for its yellow fins and vulnerable conservation status.
The yellowtail flounder is a right-eyed flatfish native to the western North Atlantic Ocean. It has been commercially fished for food since the nineteenth century but faces threats from overfishing.
- Both eyes are located on the right side of the head.
- Maximum recorded length is fifty-six centimetres.
- Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to overfishing.
- Eggs float at the surface for two months after spawning.
- Found at depths between thirty and one hundred metres.
What it is
The yellowtail flounder is a wide, thin flatfish with an oval body shape. Its upper side displays reddish-brown colouring with irregular rusty spots, while the underside remains white. Both eyes sit on the right side of its head, a trait shared with other righteye flounders. The fins, including the tail, are distinctly yellowish, giving the species its common name. Adults can reach lengths of fifty-six centimetres and weigh up to one kilogram, though larger specimens have been recorded.
Where it lives
This species inhabits the western North Atlantic Ocean along the east coast of North America. Its range extends north to Newfoundland and southern Labrador, and south to Chesapeake Bay. Populations are concentrated on ocean banks such as the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and Georges Bank. In Canadian waters, stocks exist in specific divisions near Browns Bank, Sable Island Bank, and Banquereau. Three distinct stocks also exist within United States waters.
How it lives
Yellowtail flounders live on sandy or muddy bottoms at depths ranging from thirty to one hundred metres. They rarely appear near shorelines due to this depth preference. As larvae, they drift near the surface for two months before settling. They feed on crustaceans like amphipods and shrimps, as well as marine worms. Predators include spiny dogfish and skates. The fish can change its skin pattern to camouflage against the seafloor. Most individuals die by age seven, though some may live up to seventeen years.
Breeding and life cycle
Females mature early, capable of reproduction by age three. Spawning occurs during the spring and summer months. Eggs measure approximately nine millimetres in diameter and float to the surface, drifting for about two months. Early larval stages resemble those of the winter flounder, distinguished mainly by fin ray appearance. This floating phase allows young fish to disperse before settling onto the seabed.
Fish and people
Commercial fishing has targeted this species since the nineteenth century using beam and otter trawls. In 2020, American fisheries caught over five hundred thousand kilograms, valued at more than one million dollars. Fishing typically happens between late fall and spring using nets, as hooks are ineffective due to small mouths. The flesh is sweet, mild, and lean, rich in B vitamins. Minimum size limits exist in federal waters to protect younger fish.
Status and threats
Populations declined significantly from the 1980s through the late 1990s, particularly in Canadian divisions. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as Vulnerable. Overfishing remains a primary threat, leading to reduced fishing rates and rebuilding plans for stocks in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and off southern New England. Conservation efforts aim to restore population numbers across all three managed areas.
Questions people ask about Yellowtail flounder
What does the yellowtail flounder look like?
It has a wide, flat body with reddish-brown upperparts featuring rusty spots and a white underside. Both eyes are on the right side of its head. The fins, especially the tail, are distinctly yellowish, which gives the fish its common name.
Where does the yellowtail flounder live?
It inhabits the western North Atlantic Ocean, from Newfoundland to Chesapeake Bay. Adults dwell on sandy or muddy seafloors at depths of thirty to one hundred metres. Larvae drift near the surface before settling.
Is the yellowtail flounder safe to eat?
Yes, it is a popular food fish with sweet, mild, and delicate flesh. It is a lean source of B vitamins, including niacin. Commercial fishing continues in US and Canadian waters under regulated limits.
Why is the yellowtail flounder considered vulnerable?
Populations declined sharply from the 1980s to the 1990s due to heavy commercial fishing pressure. Overfishing remains a key threat, prompting conservation groups to list it as Vulnerable and implement rebuilding plans.
Good reading and sources
- Yellowtail flounder on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Yellowtail flounder", 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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