The speckled flounder (Paralichthys adspersus), also known as the fine flounder, is a demersal flatfish native to the Pacific coasts of South America, particularly from Ecuador to Chile. Characterized by its oval, flattened body and distinctive speckled pattern, this species thrives in sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. The primary countries engaged in commercial speckled flounder fishing are Peru and Chile, where the species is targeted by both artisanal and industrial fleets. These nations have developed robust fisheries for speckled flounder due to its popularity as a food fish in local markets and for export. While the catch is not as large as that of other flatfish species globally, speckled flounder remains an important resource for coastal communities in these regions, with ongoing efforts to manage stocks sustainably and support the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 301 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.