Scophthalmidae

Overview of Scophthalmidae:

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The Scophthalmidae are a family of flatfish in the order Pleuronectiformes. They are more commonly known as turbots.

Taxonomy

The family Scophthalmidae was first described by Theodore Gill in 1862. It includes three genera: Scophthalmus, Psetta, and Zeugopterus.

Description

Scophthalmidae are flatfish with both eyes on the left side of the body. They have a large, roughly circular body shape and a small mouth. The largest species, the Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), can reach up to 4.7 m in length.

Distribution and habitat

Scophthalmidae are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. They inhabit a variety of habitats, from shallow coastal waters to deep sea.

Behavior and diet

Scophthalmidae are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates and small fish. They are also known to be benthic, spending most of their time on the sea floor.

Economic importance

Several species of Scophthalmidae, particularly the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), are commercially important for fisheries and aquaculture.

Conservation

Some species of Scophthalmidae are threatened by overfishing and habitat loss. Conservation efforts include regulation of fishing practices and the establishment of marine protected areas.

External links

• Scophthalmidae at FishBase
• Scophthalmidae at ITIS

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