Gulf Stream Flounder

Citharichthys arctifrons

Paralichthyidae · saltwater water fish

1 minute read · Species guide

Gulf Stream Flounder field guide illustration

About Gulf Stream Flounder

The Gulf Stream flounder (Citharichthys arctifrons) is a species of fish belonging to the family Paralichthyidae native to waters off eastern North America.

Description

The Gulf Stream flounder is a lefteyed flatfish whose mouth that lies about adjacent to its eyes. The defining characteristic of the Gulf Stream flounder is its large scales, which number about 40 on its lateral line. The left pectoral fin is noticeably longer than the right side pectoral fin. The pelvic fins are of equal size in female members of the species, but the right fin is larger in males. The fish is brown on the visible side of its body, and white on its blind side. It is colored dark brown on the upper side of its body, and a brownish white on the lower part of its body.

Distribution and habitat

The species is found from George's Bank to southern Florida.

Article text: Wikipedia contributors, Citharichthys arctifrons (source revision). Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Retrieved 2026-10-11.

Range

Where it lives

Share of 381 GBIF observation records with a state location, across 14 states.
0%
36.7%
Share of 381 GBIF observation records with a state location, across 14 states.

Habitat

Water and movement

Water
WoRMS records this species in the sea.

Classification

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Superclass
Actinopterygii
Class
Teleostei
Order
Pleuronectiformes
Genus
Citharichthys
Species
Citharichthys arctifrons
ITIS TSN
172719
WoRMS AphiaID
158791
GBIF key
2408719
Outside the US
ITIS also files it in Mexico.

Common questions about Gulf Stream Flounder

What is the scientific name of Gulf Stream Flounder?
The scientific name is Citharichthys arctifrons, in the family Paralichthyidae. Classification follows ITIS.
Does Gulf Stream Flounder live in fresh water or salt water?
WoRMS records this species in the sea.
Where has Gulf Stream Flounder been recorded in the United States?
GBIF has observations in 14 states, with the most records in Florida, New Jersey, Maine. The map shows observation records, which do not establish the complete natural range.

Closest relatives

Other Citharichthys species

Same family

More Paralichthyidae