Flounder (Fluke)

Hook and line or trawl, Carolinas or Virginia

Flounder is an Atlantic flatfish (think halibut but much smaller). The name flounder is applied to a wide variety of flatfish species. Like all flatfish, flounder begins life as a "typically" shaped fish, and one eye migrates as it becomes a bottom-dwelling flatfish. When it matures, both its eyes are on the upper side of its body (either the right or left side depending on the species). Like halibut, flounder has a sweet, mild flavor, but flounder is flakier and more delicate than halibut.

The home cook has many options: flounder can be roasted, broiled, pan seared, fried, steamed, and poached. Seafood Watch rates it a "Good Alternative." Low mercury level. Kosher.