starry flounder

The starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) is a large, dark brown, mottled flatfish found on both coasts of the north Pacific. It is commercially important, especially along the California coast. This fish is distinguished by a small mouth with a projecting lower jaw and star-shaped tubercles on its head and body. It is also known as the great flounder.12

Flounders, in general, are morphologically unusual flatfish. When born, they are bilaterally symmetrical with an eye on each side. After a few days, one eye migrates to the top side, and the fish develops complex changes in bones, nerves, and muscles. The adult fish lives on the bottom with its eyed side uppermost. The starry flounder is a North Pacific species that averages about 9 kg (20 pounds) in weight.3