Identification:
The halibut is a large streamlined flatfish, with eyes on the right side.
The upper surface is smooth, and the lateral line curves strongly over the
pectoral fin.
Breeding:
Spawning occurs in winter in 300-1000 m of water. Females produce
up to 2 million eggs. The pelagic young metamorphose before moving to the
bottom in inshore waters. Halibut are sexually mature at about 10 years (100
cm).
Habitat:
Halibut prefer cold (3-5 degrees C) and deep water (to 2,000 m), where they
hunt on the bottom or in mid-water.
Food:
Mainly other fishes, such as redfish and members of the cod family. Halibut
may also feed on the bottom, taking large crustaceans.
Range:
Western Atlantic and northern North Sea.
Additional Notes:
Halibut are very valuable commercially, but subject to overfishing. In the
northern North Sea, immature individuals may turn up in the trawl, and are
very occasionally taken by anglers.
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