Female plaice start to spawn at approximately 11 years of age (about 45 cm in length). Males become sexually mature anywhere between three to six years of age (about 40-45 cm), depending on where they are, geographically.
Plaice spawn between April and June. Spawning and fertilization of the eggs occur near the bottom of the ocean. Once fertilized, the eggs float to the surface layer where hatching occurs. Hatching time is variable, dependent on water temperature and depth. The larvae and juvenile fish reside closer to the surface of the water and may drift a considerable distance before the young fish finally settle to the bottom. Juvenile plaice have a round body with eyes on both sides of the head, until they sink to the bottom of the ocean and morph into their flat, adult body shape.
Colour: Translucent when raw and white to off-white when cooked.
Texture: Fine, moist
Flavour: Subtlety sweet
Perfect serve: American plaice is delicious when roasted with cherry tomatoes, onions and bay leaves.
Species Range | |
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COMMON NAMES | |
Plaice Flounder |
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American plaice is a commonly harvested fish along the Eastern Coast of Canada and the USA; although they can be found on both sides of the Atlantic. It is considered to be a cold water fish, with its preferred temperature ranging between -1.5°C and 5°C. It can be found inshore down to 700 m below sea level.
The plaice is a flat fish - it has a flattened shape with both eyes are on the right side of its body. The ocean facing side of its body ranges from reddish to greyish brown with small scales, a large mouth, and a rounded tail fin. Plaice is popularly consumed pan-fried, with butter and lemon.
Mangrove Crab Harvester
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