starry-flounder
Species Facts

Science Name: Platichthys stellatus
Other Names: California flounder
Description

The body of the starry flounder is broad, relatively short, somewhat diamond shaped and compressed. The head is relatively short and the eyes and mouth are small, the lower jaw slightly projecting. While a member of the right-eyed flounder family; the majority of starry flounders are left-eyed. The color is dark brown on the eyed side with alternating white to orange and black bars on the dorsal and anal fins; white on the blind side. Its name comes from the rough, star-like scales on the eyed-side.

Where to Find
Starry flounders occur from Santa Barbara, California, to Arctic Alaska and the Sea of Japan.

Habitat
They occur over sand, mud and gravel bottoms in coastal ocean waters, bays, sloughs and even fresh water. Starry flounders are found from depths of a few inches to more than 900 feet.

Feeding Habits
Small starry flounders eat mostly worms and small crustaceans. As they grow they eat progressively more crabs, clams, sand dollars and brittle stars. Large individuals also eat some fishes, among them sardines, sanddabs and surfperch.

Tips for Fishing

Starry flounders can be taken throughout the year but are caught more frequently between December and March. They accept a variety of baits, including chunks of sardine, clams, shrimp, squid, and worms.