A massive flatfish of North Atlantic waters. Critically reduced from past commercial fishing.

Also called: Halibut

Native status: Native; endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeLength up to 4.7 m (15 ft) historically; modern fish much smaller (1–2 m)
WeightHistorical records to 320 kg (700 lb); modern average 20–80 kg
LifespanWild 50+ years; oldest verified 38 years
OrderPleuronectiformes
FamilyPleuronectidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Atlantic halibut is a flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae. They are demersal fish living on or near sand, gravel or clay bottoms at depths of between 50 and 2,000 m. The halibut is among the largest teleost (bony) fish in the world, and is a threatened species owing to a slow rate of growth and overfishing. Halibut are strong swimmers and are able to migrate long distances. Halibut size is not age-specific, but rather tends to follow a cycle related to halibut abundance.

Source: Wikipedia — Atlantic halibut Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive flatfish with both eyes on right side; dark olive-brown upper surface (left side); white belly. Curved lateral line.

Similar species. Pacific Halibut (very similar; different ocean). Greenland Halibut (smaller, different fin shape). Summer Flounder (smaller, different range).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Cod, haddock, herring, mackerel, squid, crustaceans. Apex predator of cold North Atlantic seafloor.

Behavior. Largest flatfish in the world. Lives near seafloor at depths to 2,000 m, but moves to shallower water (50–200 m) to spawn. Slow-growing and late-maturing (10+ years); historic catches were enormous individuals — modern fish are much smaller because few survive to reach old age. New England commercial fishery essentially collapsed by 1950 due to overfishing; small recreational/commercial fishery continues.

§ Range

North Atlantic

§ Habitat

Cold North Atlantic waters

§ Threats

Overfishing, slow reproduction.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the atlantic halibut is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Buy MSC-certified halibut. Support fishing limits.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • ICES Atlantic Halibut Stock Assessment
  • Marine Stewardship Council
  • IUCN Red List 2010