Summer Flounder vs Whale Shark
Paralichthys dentatus compared with Rhincodon typus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Summer Flounder | Whale Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paralichthys dentatus | Rhincodon typus |
| Order | Pleuronectiformes | Orectolobiformes |
| Family | Paralichthyidae | Rhincodontidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Endangered |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Summer Flounder | Whale Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 94.0 cm | 1800.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 12.0 kg | 21500.0 kg |
| Color | 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. | Dark gray to blue-gray back covered with a distinctive checkerboard grid of pale white or cream spots and transverse stripes; belly white; the unique spot pattern is unique to each individual. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Summer Flounder | Whale Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 10-183m | 0-1928m |
| Geographic Range | 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 … | Pantropical in open oceanic and coastal waters between 30°N and 35°S. Aggregates seasonally at feeding sites including Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, the Gulf of … |
| Habitat | Neritic, demersal, estuaries | Neritic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Summer Flounder | Whale Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | No |
| Fight Rating | 4/10 | — |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
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.
Whale Shark
Endangered species — consumption is strongly discouraged and illegal in many countries. Historically consumed in parts of Asia; now internationally protected under CITES Appendix II.
Species Overview
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.
Whale Shark
The whale shark is the largest living fish species, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters. Despite its enormous size, it is a gentle filter feeder that consumes plankton, fish eggs, and small fish by swimming with its wide mouth open.