Brook Trout vs Summer Flounder
Salvelinus fontinalis compared with Paralichthys dentatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Brook Trout | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Salvelinus fontinalis | Paralichthys dentatus |
| Order | Salmoniformes | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Salmonidae | Paralichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Brook Trout | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 86.0 cm | 94.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 6.6 kg | 12.0 kg |
| Color | Olive-green back with distinctive worm-like yellowish vermiculations; flanks dotted with red spots ringed by blue halos; lower fins are orange-red with bold black and white leading edges. | Eyed side is brownish to gray-green with a mottled pattern of pale blotches; 12–14 distinct pale-edged dark ocelli (eyespots) scattered across the body; blind side is plain white; color changes with substrate. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Brook Trout | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 15-27m | 10-183m |
| Geographic Range | Native to cold Appalachian streams and boreal rivers of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Anadromous sea-run populations occur along the Atlantic coast; introduced … | Western North Atlantic from Nova Scotia south to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Undertakes seasonal offshore migration to deeper Continental Shelf waters in … |
| Habitat | Clear, cold mountain streams and lakes of eastern North America and the Great Lakes basin. Prefers cold, highly oxygenated water (8-18°C) over gravel and cobble. … | Neritic, demersal, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Brook Trout | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Brook Trout
Delicate, sweet flesh with a nutty, mild flavor; low fat and fine texture. One of the most prized freshwater eating fish in North America — best pan-fried simply in butter with herbs.
Summer Flounder
Thin, delicate white fillets with a sweet, mild flavor and very low fat. Prized on the U.S. East Coast; superb pan-fried in butter, stuffed and baked, or prepared as ceviche.
Species Overview
Brook Trout
The brook trout is actually a char, native to cold, clean streams of eastern North America. Its olive-green body with distinctive worm-like markings (vermiculations) and red spots with blue halos make it one of the most beautiful freshwater fish.
Summer Flounder
The summer flounder, or fluke, is a flatfish that lies camouflaged on the ocean floor. Born with eyes on both sides, one eye migrates to the left side during development. An ambush predator, it explodes upward to grab passing prey.