It’s real name is roughback. It is a flatfish that lives in the Atlantic: on the European side around Norway, and on the American side, from Rhode Island up to southern Labrador.
Its flat body is brownish-red on top and white underneath. Its eyes are on the top (which is technically its right side.) It has a relatively large mouth.
It lives in water 300 to 600 feet (90 to 180 metres) deep, though it is occasionally found further out in deeper water along the continental shelf, but rarely in shallower water.
The fish eats crustaceans and smaller fish.
When 3 years old, the fish will be 9 to 11 inches (22 to 28 cm) long, and weigh between 3 to 7 oz (90 to 190g.) It can grow up to 28 inches (70 cm) long, and live over 20 years.
It generally starts reproducing when 4 years old, though many start as young as 2 or 3 years, and a few at 2 years. Spawning season is between March and May, with most activity in April and May.
Roughback is fished for year round by trawler. The season peak is June, July and August.
It is sold whole or in boneless fillets. Its flesh cooks up white, flaky and mild-flavoured.
Language Notes
Roughback is sometimes also called “Dab” or ” Sand Dab”, though those names are also used for another fish.