136 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



Figure lOt; 



Photo by J. B. Phillips 



STARRY FLOUNDER 



Plafichthys sfellatus 



Relationship: A member of family Pleuronectidae. (See page 122.) 



Distinguishing Characters: See page 122. The black bars on the dorsal, anal and 

 caudal fins ; the lack of an abrupt, high arch in the lateral line over the pectoral fin ; 

 the lack of a dorsal branch to the lateral line ; the jaws and teeth better developed on the 

 blind side ; the maxillary extending to below the fore part of the lower eye ; the rough, 

 scattered plates formed of scales which cover the body. Eyes on either the left or the 

 right side. Reaches a length of three feet and a weight of 20 pounds, although the usual 

 market sizes are much smaller. Color: Dark brown to black with vague blotchings ; fins 

 striped with black, orange to whitish between. 



Distribution: Southern California to Alaska ; south on the Asiatic side to Japan 

 and Korea. Enters brackish and fresh water, at times moving some distance up streams. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



Importance: One of the more important commercial flatfishes. Except for the 

 California halibut, the most important flatfish for sportsmen, especially in bays. 



Fishing Gear: Otter trawls, hook and line. 



Unauthorized Names: Great flounder, rough jacket, flounder. 



