Halibut

Halibut are flatfish, genus Hippoglossus, from the family of the right-eye flounders (Pleuronectidae). Other flatfish also contain the word halibut in their common (non-scientific) names. The word is derived from haly (holy) and butte (flat fish), for its popularity on Catholic holy days. Halibut are demersal fish which live in the North Pacific (Pacific halibut, Hippoglossus stenolepis) and the North Atlantic oceans (Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus). They are highly regarded food fish.

Species of the genus Hippoglossus

The separate articles on each of these contain more specific details.

Physical characteristics

The Pacific halibut is the world's largest flatfish. The IGFA record for the latter was apparently broken off the waters of Norway in July 2013 by a 515-pound 8.6 foot fish. This is awaiting certification. In July 2014 76-year-old Jack McGuire caught a 482-pound Pacific halibut in Glacier Bay, Alaska (this is however discounted from records because it was shot to prevent injury to those on the boat).