Red Sea Bream vs Summer Flounder
Pagrus major compared with Paralichthys dentatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Red Sea Bream | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pagrus major | Paralichthys dentatus |
| Order | Perciformes | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Sparidae | Paralichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Red Sea Bream | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 100.0 cm | 94.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 9.7 kg | 12.0 kg |
| Color | Pale rose-pink to silver-pink overall body with small iridescent blue spots on scales above the lateral line; bright pink-red dorsal fin; characteristic dark smudge at the dorsal fin origin in juveniles. | 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 | Red Sea Bream | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 10-200m | 10-183m |
| Geographic Range | Northwestern Pacific from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea to southern Japan and the Philippines. Inhabits coastal rocky reefs, sandy bays, and brackish-edge habitats … | 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 | Shallow coastal waters and bays of the western Pacific, from Japan to Southeast Asia. Inhabits rocky and sandy substrates at 10-200m depth. Coastal and semi-pelagic; … | Neritic, demersal, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Red Sea Bream | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Red Sea Bream
Prized in Japanese cuisine as 'tai'; delicate, sweet white flesh with a clean oceanic taste and low fat. Excellent grilled whole, steamed, or served as sashimi on celebratory occasions.
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
Red Sea Bream
The red sea bream, known as 'tai' in Japan, is considered the king of fish in Japanese cuisine. It holds deep cultural significance and is traditionally served at celebrations. Its delicate white flesh is prized for sashimi and sushi.
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.