Plaice
Otolith description
Otolith shape is oval and rounded. The sulcus runs over more than half the length of the otolith and is closed. The sulcus is narrow and cauda and ostium are mostly clearly visible, though not as well developed as in other pleuronectidae. The ostium and cauda are separated but the sulcus is straight. The surface and margins of the otolith are smooth. The rostrum of the otolith is rounded. The inside of the otolith is convex. The outside of the otolith is concave which is an important feature distinguishing this species from other pleuronectidae such as flounder Platichthys flesus and dab Limanda limanda. Otoliths of plaice are thin whereas otoliths of flounder and dab are much thicker. When otoliths are eroded the sulcus remains longer visible in otoliths of flounder and dab than in plaice otoliths. The sulcus of eroded otoliths widens and becomes less deep. Eroded otoliths are often difficult to determine to species level. Eroded otoliths of 0-group flatfish are not distinguishable with great certainty. Margins of small otoliths are rounder. In small otoliths the sulcus is not well developed but ostium and cauda are distinguishable.
Fish length and distribution
Plaice can grow up to 90 cm. Plaice is a bottom-living flatfish (PLEUPLAT.TIF) found mostly on sandy bottoms, but also on muddy bottoms and gravel. Adult plaice are found in the greater depths of the sea, while young fish live nearshore in the tidal zone (Wheeler, 1978, Witte et al., 1991, Knijn et al., 1993). The spawning period is from January to March.
Plaice is found in the NE Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic.
Sample origin
Juveniles: fyke and western Wadden Sea
Larger fish: mainly southern North Sea