Fish and Seafood

Fact Sheets

Summer Flounder

Paralichthys dentatus

Often called fluke, summer flounder is the largest of the flounders. It has a compressed, oblong body, commonly brown or gray with a white underbelly, and ranges from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. It reaches maximum length of 123 centimetres, and the average-sized fish weighs 6.8 kilograms. It is harvested largely offshore. Harvest takes place year round with peak season between June and August.

Like all flounders, fluke has a distinctive flat body, with both eyes on the left side. The blind underside is white, while the upperside is pigmented to match the bottom along which they feed, giving protection from predators. Once cooked, the meat is pure white, lean, boneless and flaky with a mild flavour.

Summer flounder is sold fresh and frozen as whole fish, fillets and blocks as well as fully prepared in various value-added presentations.

Llist of Canadian suppliers of summer flounder

NOTE: These processors are volume wholesalers and are not usually set up to deal directly with consumers.

Source: Department of Fisheries and Oceans