WHAT IS A HALIBUT?

This pancake of a fish is famous for being flat with both eyes on top.  They live on the bottom of the ocean floor and so their unique shape offers obvious evolutionary advantages.  Capable of growing to almost 9 feet (2.7 m) in length, their great size has lead to their “barn door” nickname.   This fish like most is born with 1 eye on each side of its head.  Then after a few months, 1 of the eyes will literally travel over to join the other one.  Despite their shy appearance, these predators are close to the top of most aquatic food chains.

WHERE DO HALIBUTS COME FROM?

Residents of both the Atlantic and Pacific ocean they can be found in large parts of the southern and northern hemisphere.  They are a deep water fish living as far down as 6,000 feet (1,828 m).

WHEN ARE HALIBUTS IN SEASON?

In the north they are a March through November fish vs. September through March south of the equator.

ARE GIANT HALIBUT DEADLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE SUCH TINY BRAINS?

Fish have been caught that are over 500 lbs in weight.  However being thin and flat, that translated into a length of 8 feet (2.4 m).  Fishing boats have long traded stories about halibut, long after they’re thought to have died, suddenly killing nearby fisherman.

IS HALIBUT HEALTHY TO EAT?

Like most fish they are rich in protein, Omega 3 fats, minerals (phosphorous, niacin, magnesium), and vitamins (B6, B12).  Basically, they offer the same health benefits as most other seafood.  But being near the top of the food chain, they have high levels of mercury contamination.