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What is a Plaice?

Bethney Foster
Bethney Foster

Plaice are four species of flat fish in the family Pleuronectidae. The fish in this family are flounders, have both eyes on the right sides of their faces, and can have lifespans of more than two decades. Plaice are demersal fish, meaning they live at or near the bottom of the water. Two of the species are commercially fished, but there is disagreement about whether they are overfished.

The European plaice, Pleuronectes platessa, is commercially and recreationally fished in Europe. It is found off the coasts from the Barents Sea to the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic, and Greenland. The fish lives in the muddy bottoms, where it burrows into sediment during the day, and is found at depths of 32 to 164 feet (10 to 50 m). This species is dark green to dark brown with orange spots and a white underside, growing to up to 3 feet (1 m) in length and 15.5 pounds (7 kg) in weight.

Veterinarian with a puppy
Veterinarian with a puppy

Spawning occurs in late winter and early spring. The female sheds up to 500,000 eggs that are floating when fertilized. The young fish travels to the bottom of the water when it is 45 to 50 days old and reaches maturity at five to seven years. The diet consists of crustaceans, bivalves, and small fish.

The American plaice, Hippoglossoides platessoides, is also known as a sole. The fish is found in the Atlantic from southern Labrador to Rhode Island, spawning in April and May. The fish’s maximum length is 28 inches (70 cm). The fish are a brown to red color with larger scales than the European species. The American plaice is found at depths of 295 to 590 feet (90 to 180 m).

Commercially fished, the American plaice is considered overfished by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization. The Canadian government, however, states that the population of sole is abundant. There is some concern that even those species that aren’t commercially fished might be at risk because of being taken in by catch.

The Alaska plaice, Pleuronectes quadrituberculatus, is not generally commercially fished. These fish grow to lengths of 24 inches (60 cm) and are found in the northern Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Alaska to the Chukchi Sea to the Sea of Japan. The scale-eye plaice, Acanthopsetaa nadeshnyi, can grow to 18 inches (46 cm) in length. It is found in the northern Pacific in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a plaice, and where can it be found?

A plaice is a flatfish that belongs to the Pleuronectidae family, commonly found in the sandy bottoms of the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. They are demersal fish, meaning they live near the sea floor, and are known for their smooth, brown skin with distinctive orange spots and a white underside.

How can you identify a plaice among other flatfish?

Plaice can be identified by their oval-shaped body, small mouth, and the bright orange-red spots scattered across their brown upper side. Unlike some flatfish, their lateral line is straight and does not curve above the pectoral fin. These features distinguish them from other similar species like flounders or soles.

What does a plaice eat, and what is its role in the ecosystem?

Plaice primarily feed on polychaete worms, crustaceans, and bivalves. As benthic feeders, they play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by controlling invertebrate populations and serving as prey for larger predators such as seals and cod, thus maintaining a balanced food web.

How do plaice reproduce, and what is their lifecycle like?

Plaice reach sexual maturity at around three to seven years of age. They migrate to deeper waters to spawn between January and March. Females release up to half a million eggs, which float to the surface and hatch into larvae. The larvae then settle on the seabed, metamorphosing into the adult form and completing their lifecycle.

Are plaice commercially important, and how are they fished?

Plaice are indeed commercially valuable and are targeted by fisheries throughout their range. They are typically caught using bottom trawls, which can sometimes raise concerns about habitat impact and bycatch. Sustainable fishing practices and quotas are essential to ensure the long-term viability of plaice populations.

What is the conservation status of plaice, and are they at risk?

The conservation status of plaice varies regionally, but overall, they are not considered endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), plaice are listed as "Least Concern." However, local populations can be affected by overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution, necessitating careful management and conservation efforts.

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      Veterinarian with a puppy