Turbot

Scophthalmus maximus is a large, left-eyed flatfish (family Scophthalmidae) native to the northeastern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Baltic seas. Adults commonly reach 50–80 cm in length and up to 25 kg, with a nearly circular, strongly compressed body. The ocular (left) side is brown to grayish with bony tubercles (lacking true scales) and variable dark spots for camouflage; the blind side is white. The head is large with a wide, terminal mouth and strong jaws. Turbot inhabit coastal waters from shallow zones to about 80 m depth. They are ambush predators feeding primarily on demersal fishes, crustaceans, and mollusks. Spawning occurs in spring–summer; females are highly fecund, producing millions of pelagic eggs. Like other flatfishes, larvae undergo metamorphosis involving eye migration and body flattening. S. maximus is one of Europe's most valuable commercial fish species and a major aquaculture species, particularly in Spain, Portugal, France, and China. Its firm white flesh commands premium prices in European markets. The genome has been sequenced, revealing insights into flatfish asymmetry, immune gene repertoires, and sex determination (ZZ/ZW system). Ongoing research focuses on growth improvement, disease resistance (against vibriosis and viral hemorrhagic septicemia), and environmental physiology.