Description: A large flatfish that can reach up to 1 m in length and weigh up to 25 kg (although today such specimens are rare). More commonly 50-80 cm. It has a distinctive asymmetric disc-shaped body, and is left-eyed. It is usually dull brown to grey on top with lots of dark coloured flecks and speckles to help it blend into the surrounding habitat, this colouration is variable and it can adapt it to match the current background. It is bright white on its underside, sometimes with a few dark blotches. There is strong speckling on the tail.

Habitat: They prefer sandy or gravelly sediment, usually between 20-80 m although juveniles may be spotted closer to shore.

Distribution: Most records for Northern Ireland are off the Irish Sea section of the County Down coast, with a few scattered sightings in Belfast Lough and along the north coast.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species, due to distinctive body shape.

Key Identification Features:

• Distinctive asymmetric disc-shaped body.
• Left-eyed.
• Strong speckling on tail.

Distribution Map from NBN: Scophthalmus maxima at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Scophthalmus maxima at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Scophthalmus maxima at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Scophthalmus maximus (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 127149.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Pleuronectiformes; Pleuronectoidei; Scophthalmidae; Psetta