Atlantic Halibut

Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Endangered Saltwater

Max Length

470.0 cm

Max Weight

320.0 kg

Color

Eyed side is olive-brown to …

Depth Range

50-2000m

Family

Pleuronectidae

About

The Atlantic halibut is the largest flatfish in the world, capable of exceeding 300 kg. Both eyes are on the right side of its body. It is a slow-growing, long-lived species that has suffered severe overfishing.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	470.0 cm
Maximum Weight	320.0 kg
Depth Range	50-2000m

Coloration

Eyed side is olive-brown to dark greenish-brown with mottled paler blotches providing camouflage; blind underside is pure white; lateral line distinctly arched over the pectoral fin.

Habitat & Distribution

Neritic

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

50-2000m

Geographic Range

North Atlantic from Labrador and Greenland east to Iceland, Norway, the Barents Sea, and the British Isles. Found on sandy and gravel bottoms at depths of 50–2,000 m; severely depleted by commercial overfishing.

Countries

🇺🇸 United States

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Endangered IUCN Red List

Atlantic Halibut is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Atlantic Halibut faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Firm, meaty white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and very low fat. Endangered status — sustainable sourcing essential; superb pan-seared, poached in butter, or roasted with aromatics.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

7/5

Recommended Bait

herring, mackerel, jigs

Taxonomy

Order	Perciformes (Perch-like fishes)
Family	Pleuronectidae (Righteye flounders)
Species	Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Flétan de l'Atlantique
Spanish	Fletán del Atlántico

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Atlantic Halibut?

Firm, meaty white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and very low fat. Endangered status — sustainable sourcing essential; superb pan-seared, poached in butter, or roasted with aromatics.

How big does Atlantic Halibut get?

Atlantic Halibut can grow up to 470.0 cm long and weigh 320.0 kg.

Where is Atlantic Halibut found?

Is Atlantic Halibut endangered?

The conservation status of Atlantic Halibut is Endangered according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Atlantic Halibut belong to?

Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) belongs to the family Pleuronectidae (Righteye flounders) in the order Perciformes (Perch-like fishes).