Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Pleuronectidae
- Genus
- Atheresthes
- Species
- stomias
Habitat
Arrowtooth flounder inhabits the continental shelf and slope of the North Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to California and extending to Russia. It prefers sandy or muddy bottoms at depths ranging from 20 to 900 meters, often in areas with strong currents and abundant prey.
Diet
This species primarily feeds on fish such as herring and capelin, as well as shrimp, squid, and other benthic invertebrates. It is an ambush predator that hunts at night or during low light, using its flattened body to lie in wait on the ocean floor.
Behavior
Arrowtooth flounder is solitary and benthic, spending most of its time buried in sediment to avoid predators and ambush prey. It is primarily nocturnal, becoming more active at night for feeding, and exhibits minimal territorial behavior except during spawning. This species migrates seasonally to deeper waters in winter and shallower areas in summer.
Fishing
Target arrowtooth flounder with effective bottom fishing techniques using a stout rod and reel setup with 20-30 pound test line, employing a sliding sinker rig or jig to present bait like herring, shrimp, or squid on the ocean floor, as this ambush predator lies in wait on sandy or muddy substrates. Recommended tackle includes a 7-9 foot medium-heavy rod paired with a conventional reel for handling depths of 20 to 900 meters, ensuring you can manage strong currents in areas like the Bering Sea, off Alaska, or near California spots such as San Simeon and San Pedro. The best seasons are spring and summer during spawning migrations to shallower waters, with optimal times at night or low light when they're most active; focus on continental shelf and slope habitats in the North Pacific for the highest success. Record sizes include fish reaching up to 90 cm (35 inches) and weights over 8 pounds 8 ounces, with some exceeding 1 meter, underscoring the thrill of landing these fighters—check IGFA records for all-tackle achievements. As a key species in regulated fisheries, arrowtooth flounder benefits from angler-funded programs that support population stability and habitat restoration in the North Pacific, promoting catch-and-release practices to maintain healthy stocks and contribute to conservation efforts through license fees and excise taxes.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.