Plaice facts for kids

Plaice is the common name for several types of flatfish. These amazing fish are known for their flat bodies and how they live on the bottom of the ocean.

What is a Plaice?

Plaice are a group of fish that belong to the flatfish family. They are known for their unique flat shape, which helps them hide on the seafloor. When they are born, plaice look like normal fish, but as they grow, one eye moves to the other side of their head, and their body flattens out. This allows them to lie flat on the seabed, often camouflaged with the sand or mud.

Types of Plaice

There are three main species commonly called plaice. Each lives in different parts of the world's oceans.

European Plaice

The European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) is a well-known flatfish found in the waters around Europe. It lives in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and parts of the Atlantic Ocean. This plaice can be recognized by its smooth, dark brown skin with bright orange or red spots. It often buries itself in the sand during the day to hide from predators. European plaice eat small worms, shellfish, and other tiny creatures they find on the seabed.

American Plaice

The American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) lives in the colder waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. You can find it off the coasts of North America, from Canada down to the northeastern United States. Unlike the European plaice, the American plaice has a rougher skin texture. It is usually reddish-brown or greyish-brown. This fish is important for fishing in many areas.

Alaska Plaice

The Alaska plaice (Pleuronectes quadrituberculatus) makes its home in the northern Pacific Ocean. It is found off the coasts of Alaska, Russia, and Japan. This species is similar to other plaice, with a flat body and eyes on one side of its head. It plays an important role in the ocean's food web in its cold habitat.

Images for kids

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  European plaice

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  American plaice

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  World catch of European plaice in thousands of tonnes, based on FAO catch data

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  World catch of American plaice in thousands of tonnes, based on FAO catch data