The flesh of the halibut makes excellent food, and the oil of its liver is rich in vitamins A and D. Halibut fishing is a major industry in Canada and the northern United States. Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) range from Oregon to northern Alaska and also live off northern Japan. Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) are found off Newfoundland southward to Massachusetts and off Greenland, Iceland, the British Isles, and Scandinavia.
Flatfish, fish which, as adults, lie on one side of the body with both eyes on the opposite, upward-facing side of the head. The body is greatly flattened from side to side to conform to flat surfaces. Most species live in oceans and seas, and they are found worldwide. Flatfish usually swim on or near the bottom, partly covered, and feed on small marine animals. The young are bilaterally symmetrical and swim as most other fish do. As development progresses, one eye migrates to the other side of the head and becomes situated over the other eye. The skull compresses and the face distorts to face upward. The eyes move independently, so the fish can see in all directions as they lie on the bottom. Flatfish exhibit a marked degree of protective coloration. Those living on sandy bottoms display light-brown upper sides, and those living on pebbled bottoms display speckled upper sides. The hidden side usually remains light in color. Many species can change coloration in chameleon like fashion, to blend with their surroundings. Many varieties of flatfish are important food fish.
