Pacific halibut

fish

Also known as: Hippoglossus stenolepis

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

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The Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is a large, economically valuable flatfish found in the North Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by having its eyes and color on one side of its body, typically the right side, which faces upward. While generally smaller than its Atlantic counterpart, the Pacific halibut can reach lengths of nearly 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) and weigh up to 363 kg (800 pounds). These fish are long-lived, often exceeding 50 years of age. The Pacific halibut is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN due to its wide distribution and stable populations.12

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halibut
hippoglossus) and the Pacific halibut (H. stenolepis), have their eyes and colour on one side of the body. As members of the family Pleuronectidae, they usually have these features on the right side of the body, which faces upward when they swim or rest on the seafloor.
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hippoglossus) and the Pacific halibut (H. stenolepis), have their eyes and colour on one side of the body. As members of the family Pleuronectidae, they usually have these features on the right side of the body, which faces upward when they swim or rest on the seafloor.
Read More