The summer flounder is a flat fish with spots on the top side of the body. Both eyes are located on the top side of the head. (Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk/Flickr)
The summer flounder is a flat, brownish fish with large spots on the top side of the body. It visits the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay from spring through autumn.
Appearance:
Flat, rounded body
Brownish on top and whitish on the bottom
Various large spots on the top side of the body
Both eyes located on the top side of the head
Long dorsal fin that stretches from the head to the tail
Slightly pointed tail fin
Usually grows 15-22 inches long. Females are larger than males.
Habitat:
Bottom-dweller
Adults usually live in deep channels and ridges
Young found in shallow waters and on sandbars
Range:
Visits the Chesapeake Bay from spring through autumn
Most remain in the middle to lower Bay, but some travel as far north as Maryland’s Gunpowder River
Usually migrates offshore for winter as water temperatures decrease
Feeding:
Bottom-feeder
Eats shrimp, squid, worms, crustaceans and other fish
Predators:
Conceals itself from predators by burying itself in bottom sediments and changing colors to blend in with its surroundings
Reproduction and Life Cycle:
Spawns in autumn and mid-winter in coastal ocean waters
After hatching, larvae have one eye on each side of the head. The right eye gradually travels to the left side of the head to a position next to the left eye.
Larvae eventually drift into the Bay in October-May. They live in the Bay’s shallow eelgrass beds, which serve as protective nursery areas.
Can live up to 20 years. Females tend to live longer than males.
Other Facts:
The Maryland Chesapeake Bay record summer flounder was caught in 1978 and weighed 15 pounds
Considered to be a "left-handed" flatfish because its mouth and eyes are on the left side of the body when viewed from above
It is nearly impossible to spot a flounder that has changed colors to blend in with its surroundings
Sources and Additional Information:
Fishes of Chesapeake Bay by Edward O. Murdy, Ray S. Birdsong and John A. Musick
