Blackback flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) 

Biology: Blackback flounder, also called winter flounder, is a small, dark flounder that migrates inshore in winter to breed. Their color varies with the color of the seafloor bottom. In contrast to the summer flounder, their eyes are on the right side of their heads and they have no teeth.  Their small mouths limit them to small invertebrate prey, such as worms, clams, and shrimp. They are preyed upon by cod, skate, monkfish, and dogfish.  Blackback flounder have declined in numbers in recent years, and strict measures are in place to rebuild them.

Sustainability status: Blackback flounder stocks are well below target levels and overfishing is considered to be occuring. Strict restrictions on fishing are in place as a result. More information is available here. 

Harvest: Blackback flounder are caught using bottom trawls, gillnets, floating fish traps, and rod and reel.

Nutritional facts: Blackback flounder are a good source of B vitamins and niacin. A 100-gram portion contains 18.84 grams of protein, 32.7 mcg selenium, 91 calories, 1.19 grams of fat, 48 mg cholesterol, and 81 mg sodium.

Available whole or filleted, year round.

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