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Where are members of the family Pleuronectidae most commonly found?

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Body plan and sexual dimorphism in the common sole (Solea solea) and dusky flounder (Syacium papillosum). — pleuronectiform Body plan and sexual dimorphism in the common sole (*Solea solea*) and dusky flounder (*Syacium papillosum*).

Members of the family Pleuronectidae are most commonly found in northern waters, where they are of significant commercial importance. While flatfishes as a whole are primarily distributed across temperate and tropical seas—with some species extending into the Arctic—the Pleuronectidae family is particularly noted for its prevalence in northern regions.1

These pleuronectiform fishes typically inhabit the continental shelf at depths of less than 200 metres, though they can be found at depths reaching 1,000 metres. Most species are marine, although some members of the family spend all or part of their lives in fresh water. Examples of their distribution include the European flounder, found in European marine and freshwater environments, and the starry flounder, which is a North Pacific species.12