platessa

Platessa is commonly used to refer to the common plaice, a species of flatfish in the family Pleuronectidae. In scientific nomenclature, the species is Platichthys platessa. Historically, it has also been placed in the genus Pleuronectes as Pleuronectes platessa, and some sources retain this synonym.

Description and biology

The plaice has a flattened, oval body adapted to a demersal lifestyle on the seafloor. Like other flatfish, one eye migrates to the upper side during development, giving the fish a distinct top and bottom surface. The upper side is typically brownish with small spots or mottling, while the underside is pale. Adults can vary in size, with larger individuals reaching substantial length, though many commercial fish are within a modest size range appropriate for harvesting.

Distribution and habitat

Platichthys platessa is native to the eastern Atlantic, including the North Sea and Baltic Sea, with a range extending from the Barents Sea in the north to the Atlantic margins of Europe in the south. It favors shallow coastal and continental shelf waters, where the seafloor is sandy or muddy. Juveniles often utilize inshore and estuarine areas.

Diet and reproduction

The plaice feeds primarily on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, such as polychaetes, crustaceans, and mollusks. Spawning occurs in winter to early spring on sandy habitats, with eggs and early life stages proceeding in the pelagic zone before settling to the bottom as juveniles.

Fisheries and conservation

The plaice is a major commercial species in European waters, widely harvested by trawls and other gear. It is valued for fillets and processed products. Stock levels vary by region and year, and management measures, including catch quotas and gear restrictions, are implemented to maintain sustainable populations.