Large tooth flounders, belonging to the family Paralichthyidae, are demersal flatfish known for their distinctive asymmetrical bodies and large mouths lined with prominent teeth. These species, such as the sand flounder and the southern flounder, are highly valued for their mild, delicate flesh and are targeted by both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top countries harvesting large tooth flounders include China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, particularly along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. In these countries, the fishing industry utilizes trawling and gillnetting methods to catch flounders, with China leading global production due to its extensive coastal waters and robust seafood market. Japan and South Korea also have significant flounder fisheries, both for domestic consumption and export, while the United States focuses on sustainable management to support both commercial and recreational fisheries, especially in states like North Carolina and Texas.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.