Identification
The megrim is a slender flatfish of 25 to 50 cm with eyes on the left side and a notably large mouth — larger than most flatfish species. The body is elongated and slender, upper side yellow-brown to grey-brown. Eyes are relatively widely spaced. No prominent spots on the fins (unlike the four-spot megrim).
Ecology
Lives on sandy-muddy substrates at depths of 50 to 400 meters. The large mouth betrays a more active hunting style: feeds on fish, shrimp, and crustaceans. Commercially valued, especially in Spain and France.
In the Netherlands
The megrim is rare in the Dutch North Sea but slightly more common than the four-spot megrim. Occasionally caught as bycatch by trawlers. More typical of deeper Atlantic waters.
