Sand Flounder
Maori Name: Pātiki
Latin Name: Rhombosolea plebeia
Weight: less than 0.8kg
Length: 25–35cm, reaching 45 cm
Family:Yellowbelly flounder belong to the Pleuronectidae (righteye flounders) family.
Sand Flounder are caught all year in coastal areas off the Hauraki Guld, Tasman Bay, Golden Bay, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury Bight.
Sustainability of this New Zealand fish stock is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). The QMS guides the sustainable use of New Zealand fisheries. Find out what the QMS is and how it works.
Flatfish were introduced to the QMS in 1986 as a group, rather than individual species.
Sand Flounder are most commonly caught by set nets and occasionally by trawl.
Flatfish have delicate moist, flesh and benefit from light cooking. Brill and turbot, being larger fish, have denser flesh. Flatfish can be interchanged for one another in most recipes. They are suitable for
- baking
- grilling
- BBQing
- frying
'Right-eyed' flounders have an eye on each side of their head when they're larvae. As they grow their left eye shifts to the right side of their head and the body's left side becomes their flat underside. 'Left-eyed' flounders go vice versa.
Flounder is a good source of Vitamin B12; and a source of Iodine, Potassium and Niacin (vitamin B3).
Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.
Wild Caught
Farmed