Species profile
Gulf Flounder
Paralichthys albigutta
Identify Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albigutta) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albigutta) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 516 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Both eyes sit on the left side of the body, making Gulf Flounder a sinistral flatfish.
- The species name albigutta means 'white-spotted,' referring to the pale spots on its dark body.
- Masters of camouflage, they can rapidly change skin color and pattern to match the seafloor.
- Typically reach 12–18 inches and can weigh up to 6 pounds.
- Ambush predators that lie motionless on the bottom and strike at passing fish and shrimp.
Where Gulf Flounder are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Gulf Flounder
Background
The Gulf flounder (Paralichthys albiguttata) is a species of saltwater flounder.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Gulf Flounder article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Gulf Flounder?
Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albigutta) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Gulf Flounder?
Gulf Flounder is Paralichthys albigutta.
Is Gulf Flounder regulated for fishing?
Yes — Gulf Flounder has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Gulf Flounder?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Gulf Flounder along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.