Bottom fish, technically known as or groundfish, are species that live and feed on or near the seabed. These fish inhabit environments ranging from shallow coastal bays to the deep continental slope. Key Characteristics & Anatomy
Most bottom fish share specific physical adaptations to their low-level environment:
Halibut, flounder, sole, and dabs. Halibut are the largest, sometimes called "barn doors" when they reach several hundred pounds. Roundfish: Cod, haddock, pollock, and hake. bottom fish
Many possess "inferior" mouths that point downward to feed on prey or detritus below them. Common Species & Groups
Strictly benthic fish (those that rest directly on the floor) are often denser than water with negative buoyancy. Benthopelagic fish can float just above the floor with neutral buoyancy. Bottom fish, technically known as or groundfish, are
Includes a wide variety of rockfish, lingcod, sablefish (black cod), and cabezon.
The marine waters of regions like Washington State host over 90 species of bottomfish. Major categories include: Halibut are the largest, sometimes called "barn doors"
Bottom fish are highly regarded in the culinary world for their versatile textures: