Plaice

{
  "id": "3a2dcc51-4ddc-40b5-aad8-380dbd8b16a9",
  "commonName": "Plaice",
  "scientificName": "Pleuronectes platessa",
  "slug": "plaice",
  "category": "saltwater",
  "aliases": [
    "European Plaice",
    "Butt",
    "Flatty",
    "Flounder (incorrectly)",
    "Spotty",
    "Dab (in certain contexts)"
  ],
  "description": "The plaice is the quintessential flatfish, a canvas of sandy brown dappled with vivid orange and red spots. Its oval, right-eyed body is a masterclass in camouflage, perfect for disappearing into the seabed. A serious plate-sized specimen will typically range from 1 to 3 pounds, with true trophies pushing 5 or 6. A key identifying feature for the angler, after its distinctive spots, is the series of bony tubercles, a row of rough nodules running from the eyes to the gill cover—it’s the fish’s unique fingerprint you’ll feel, not just see.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/plaice/main.webp",
  "hero": {
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    "altText": "Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) watercolor",
    "caption": "The plaice is the quintessential flatfish, a canvas of sandy brown dappled with vivid orange and red spots.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "ac295beb-8f19-453a-b6d4-c9f0bf9a37ec",
      "name": "Juvenile",
      "slug": "juvenile",
      "description": "Young plaice are pelagic drifters, spending their first few months of life in the open water column before undergoing a dramatic metamorphosis. This is a vulnerable, transient phase focused on growth before adopting a benthic lifestyle. Anglers rarely encounter them in this stage.",
      "appearance": "Initially symmetrical and upright like a typical round fish, with a translucent, silvery body. As metamorphosis begins, one eye migrates to the other side of the head. They are small, typically under 10 cm (4 inches), and lack the definitive adult patterning.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Pelagic, in the upper water columns of coastal nursery areas.",
      "anglersNote": "Not a target for anglers; this is a developmental phase spent offshore.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    },
    {
      "id": "8327be86-eae8-4914-a4ce-540be9727cf4",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The fully transformed, bottom-dwelling plaice is a master of ambush and camouflage. It spends its life lying flush on sandy or muddy seabeds, using its cryptic coloration to hide from predators and surprise prey like worms, crustaceans, and small fish.",
      "appearance": "Oval, right-eyed flatfish. The eyed (upper) side is a sandy or muddy brown base color, densely dappled with vivid, irregularly shaped orange to bright red spots. The blind (lower) side is pearly white. A key diagnostic feature is the row of 4-7 bony tubercles (rough nodules) running from behind the eyes to the gill cover. Body is laterally compressed. Size typically ranges from 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) and 1-3 lbs, with trophies reaching over 60 cm and 6+ lbs.",
      "triggers": "Completion of metamorphosis and settlement to the seabed.",
      "habitat": "Sandy, muddy, or mixed sediment seabeds in coastal waters, estuaries, and shallow offshore grounds, typically from 10-100 meters depth.",
      "anglersNote": "This is the phase all anglers target. A prized table fish and a satisfying catch on light tackle, best pursued with baited rigs on the bottom.",
      "displayOrder": 1,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:32:09.502Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Plaice are flatfish with orange and red spots, found on sandy or muddy seabeds. Anglers target them on light tackle for a satisfying catch.",
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  "ogDescription": "The European Plaice, or 'Butt', is a flatfish known for its distinctive orange spots and excellent camouflage. Learn how to identify and catch this prized table fish.",
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    "butt",
    "flatty",
    "flounder (incorrectly)",
    "spotty",
    "dab (in certain contexts)"
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