SECTION 8 

 Fourspot Flounder {paralichthys oblongus) 



Life History Summary 



This left-handed flatfish is distinguished from summer flounder by its 

 four conspicuous dorsal spots and fewer dorsal and anal fin rays (Leim and 

 Scott 1966). It ranges from the eastern part of Georges Bank to Tortuga, 

 Florida, but its center of abundance is between Nantucket Shoals and Delaware 

 Bay (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). In the New York Bight, the fourspot 

 flounder are found during all months, although survey data indicate the 

 greatest concentrations occur there from September through November. 



Historically, there has been no specific commercial or recreational 

 fishery for the fourspot flounder. Records of landings have been combined 

 with those of other miscellaneous flatfishes and listed as "unclassified 

 flounders" (Ralph 1982). 



Adult fourspot flounders average 25 to 35 cm total length, with a maximum 

 of about 45 cm. Females weigh more than males at a given length. The 

 spawning season of fourspot flounder is from May to October, with a peak 

 occurring during June and July. Spawning starts in the south and advances 

 northward corresponding to increasing water temperatures. Three months after 

 the planktonic eggs hatch, the pelagic larvae complete their metamorphosis and 

 move down to the bottom (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). Presently, there is no 

 information available on age composition of the population, rates of growth or 

 fecundity. 



Their diet is similar to that of the summer flounder, and consists of 

 small fishes, squids, crabs, shrimps, other crustaceans, molluscs, and 

 innel i ds . 



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