Halibut

Fact File: Common Name(s):Halibut Scientific Name:Hippoglossus hippoglossus Usual Size:100 cm UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore:10-00-00 qualifying weight Boat:234-00-00 Dunnet Head, Scotland C Booth 1979 MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat: NFSA minimum size, shore: 10 kg, boat: 10 kg

Identification: The halibut is a large streamlined flatfish, with eyes on the right side. The upper surface is smooth, and the lateral line curves strongly over the pectoral fin. Breeding: Spawning occurs in winter in 300-1000 m of water. Females produce up to 2 million eggs. The pelagic young metamorphose before moving to the bottom in inshore waters. Halibut are sexually mature at about 10 years (100 cm). Habitat: Halibut prefer cold (3-5 degrees C) and deep water (to 2,000 m), where they hunt on the bottom or in mid-water. Food: Mainly other fishes, such as redfish and members of the cod family. Halibut may also feed on the bottom, taking large crustaceans. Range: Western Atlantic and northern North Sea. Additional Notes: Halibut are very valuable commercially, but subject to overfishing. In the northern North Sea, immature individuals may turn up in the trawl, and are very occasionally taken by anglers.

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