Many have flattened bellies to rest on the substrate. Notable exceptions like flatfish (e.g., flounder, halibut) are laterally compressed and lie on their sides with both eyes on the upper side of their head.
Strictly benthic fish (those that rest directly on the floor) are often denser than water with negative buoyancy. Benthopelagic fish can float just above the floor with neutral buoyancy.
Halibut, flounder, sole, and dabs. Halibut are the largest, sometimes called "barn doors" when they reach several hundred pounds. Roundfish: Cod, haddock, pollock, and hake. bottom fish
Many possess "inferior" mouths that point downward to feed on prey or detritus below them. Common Species & Groups
High-value species in areas like Hawaii include the "Deep 7," such as 'ōpakapaka (pink snapper) and onaga (long-tail red snapper). Culinary & Nutritional Profile Many have flattened bellies to rest on the substrate
Bottom fish, technically known as or groundfish, are species that live and feed on or near the seabed. These fish inhabit environments ranging from shallow coastal bays to the deep continental slope. Key Characteristics & Anatomy
The marine waters of regions like Washington State host over 90 species of bottomfish. Major categories include: Benthopelagic fish can float just above the floor
Bottom fish are highly regarded in the culinary world for their versatile textures: