Striped Bass vs Summer Flounder
Morone saxatilis compared with Paralichthys dentatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Striped Bass | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Morone saxatilis | Paralichthys dentatus |
| Order | Perciformes | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Moronidae | Paralichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Striped Bass | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 94.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 57.0 kg | 12.0 kg |
| Color | Silvery-white flanks with 7–8 continuous dark horizontal stripes running from gill plate to tail; back is olive-gray to greenish; belly white; spiny and soft dorsal fins separate and dusky. | 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 | Striped Bass | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 30-?m | 10-183m |
| Geographic Range | Atlantic coast of North America from the St. Lawrence River south to the Gulf of Mexico. Anadromous; spawns in freshwater rivers like the Chesapeake Bay … | 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 | Estuaries | Neritic, demersal, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Striped Bass | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 4/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Striped Bass
Sweet, tender white flesh with moderate fat and a clean ocean flavor. Highly regarded on the East Coast; superb roasted whole, grilled as fillets, or pan-seared with butter.
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
Striped Bass
The striped bass is an anadromous species native to the Atlantic coast of North America. It migrates seasonally along the coast and up rivers to spawn, providing exceptional fishing from surf, boat, and shore.
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.