Sand Flounder

Sand flounder are unique to New Zealand and are the most abundant of the flounder species.

They are most common around the South Island of New Zealand especially in harbours, estuaries and sandy bays. They are found from the shore out to approximately 50 metres.

All commercially caught New Zealand Flatfish species are available year round and are managed together (in 5 stocks) with a combined Total Allowable Commercial Catch of 5,419 tonne.

Family

Sand Flounder belong to the Pleuronectidae family (right eye flounders).

Physical attributes

Greenish-brown or greyish above, sometimes with slight mottling, and white below. Sand Flounder have square or diamond shape bodies, fringed by the dorsal and anal fins. They also have larger eyes than their related species.

Moist, delicate flesh that whitens on cooking.

Sustainability

Flatfish are managed together (in 5 stocks) by the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS). The annual catch limit for Flatfish has varied from 5,409 to 6,670 tonnes since 1986. Stock abundance of Flatfish can vary considerably in response to environmental variation. Accordingly, catch limits may be changed frequently to respond to these fluctuations.

Geographical location

Sand Flounder are unique to New Zealand.

They are widespread, particularly in the South Island waters, and are found around inshore areas out to approximately 50 metres.

Market Names

• New Zealand: Sand Flounder, Diamond, Tinplate, Square Flounder, Dab
• Australia: Sand Flounder
• Canada: Plie de sable
• Japan: Karei
• Greece: Chematida
• Germany: Flunder
• UK: Fluke
• USA: NZ Flounder

Locations Caught