It is oval-shaped, with brown skin on its upper side.
They live off the western coast of the UK and Ireland, and off Iceland and Norway, ranging down to western Africa in the south. They are also found along northern Mediterranean shores and in the Adriatic Sea and in waters off Greece.
Most of the Megrim caught off Ireland are exported to Spain and France. Most caught in England come in through Newlyn, Cornwall and likewise go off to Spain and France.
Megrim like muddy and sandy sea-bottoms, where they live most of their lives, though occasionally surfacing in search of food. They eat shell-fish, squid and fish that are smaller than them.
Females can start laying eggs somewhere between 2 to 4 years old, though they may not spawn every year. They lay eggs from January to April, which hatch in 4 to 5 days. The young swim in the water until they are about 3/4 inch (2 cm) long, then migrate to the sea bottom.
Between 3 and years old, they will be 10 to 15 inches (25 to 40 cm) long. When they are over 10 years old, they will be 18 inches (45 cm) and longer. Rare ones will be 23 inches (60cm) long and weigh 5 1/2 pounds (2 1/2 kg.) The males are always somewhat smaller than the females.
Their flavour and flesh is similar to sole.
Cooking Tips
Cook as you would sole.