Description
The plaice has it's eyes on the right side of the body.
The lateral line makes a slight curve just above the pectoral fin. It has 4 to 7
bony knobs between the eyes and the gills.
Spawns in the winter when the
water temperature is still low.
Females will produce 50 000 to 500 000 eggs on the sandy floor, where they will
be carried away in the direction of the coast. The males will fertilize the eggs
by releasing sperm in the water. The eggs and larvae are planktonic. The larvae
start their lives with a normal fish shaped bodies. After a few months the body
flattens, the eyes move to the right side and the animal starts a life on the
sea floor. They feed on molluscs, small crustaceans and worms.
Size
They can reach a maximum length of 1 metre but usually do not exceed 500 mm.
Colour
The top side is brown to greenish brown with orange spots. The underside is
white, with occasional dark pigment spots.
Habitat
Prefers sand or gravel floors. Juveniles can be found in shallow waters close to
the shore. Adults move to deeper water, up to 250 metres.
Distribution
North eastern Atlantic from Iceland to Marocco and the western Mediterranean.