Family Pleuronectidae - righteye flounders
These flatfishes typically have their eyes and coloration on their right side. Most species in this family have a lateral line arch over the pectoral fin an/or a lateral line branch extending up along the dorsal fin. Many species in this family are of importance to commercial fishing.
Butter sole- Iopsetta isolepis
Remarks: This species has recreational and commercial value. Although most butter sole in the bay are less than 30cm, larger specimens can be located in the channels.
Identification: Right eyed. Eyed side feels rough. Lateral line has slight arch over pectoral fin, then proceeds to caudal peduncle. A second lateral line is located below first one-third of dorsal fin. Coloration on eye side brown to gray, blind side white. Length to 55cm.
Range: Bering Sea to southern California.
Dover sole- Microstomus pacificus
Remarks: Rarely enters the bay but abundant on the continental shelf. Seldom caught by anglers; yet supports a large commercial fishery.
Identification: Eyes on right side and project outward. Mouth is small, jaw terminates before eye. Single straight lateral line at midbody. Eye side is brown and blind side is lighter. Body feels limp and slimy. Length to 59cm.
Range: Bering Sea to central California, over soft bottoms on the continental shelf to 914m.
Starry flounder- Platichthys stellatus
Remarks: Adults and juveniles reside in the bay year round. One of the larger flatfish anglers will catch in the bay.
Identification: Alternating black and yellow tan bars on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Eye side dark in color with rough scaly plates; blind side white. Length to 91cm.
Range: Bering Sea to southern California.
English sole- Pleuronectes vetulus
Remarks: The bay serves as an important nursery for this species. Caught occasionally by anglers and commercially fished on the continental shelf.
Identification: Right eyed. Snout points upward in direction of dorsal fin. Lateral line straight at midbody and extends along first half of dorsal fin. Body is brown above and lighter below. Length to 57cm.
Range: Bering Sea to central Baja.
C-O turbot- Pleuronichthys coenosus
Remarks: Seldom found within the bay; occasionally caught in commercial trawls on the continental shelf.
Identification: Right eyed. The caudal fin has a sickle shaped dark marking followed by a dark spot. Lateral line is straight at midbody with a dorsal branch extending half the length of the dorsal fin. Eye side brown and blind side white. Length to 36cm.
Range: Alaska to northern Baja California, from shallow waters to 350m.
Curlfin turbot- Pleuronichthys decurrens
Remarks: Found in the bay during all seasons, predominately in the channels. Curlfin turbot make good eating but most caught by anglers are small.
Identification: Right eyed. Dorsal fin extends onto blind side terminating in line with the mouth. Lateral line is straight with a dorsal branch extending two-thirds the dorsal fin length. Mouth is small. Eye side is brown, blind side is white. Length to 37cm.
Range: Alaska to northern Baja California, common over soft bottoms.
Sand sole- Psettichthys melanostictus
Remarks: Although this species grows over 50cm most are smaller in the bay. Resides in the channels and jetty areas of the bay.
Identification: Right eyed. Lateral line straight with a separated smaller dorsal branch. First few dorsal fin rays lack the connective membrane. Mouth is large and extends past eye. Body is gray or greenish with speckles above and white below. Length to 63cm.
Range: Bering Sea to southern California, remaining in coastal waters to 183m.