Witch Flounder

The Witch, Arnoglossus scapha, is a Lefteye flounder of the genus Arnoglossus, found around China and New Zealand, in waters less than 0.25 mi (400 m) in depth. Their length is from 7.87 to 15.75 in (20 to 40 cm).

The Witch is a Lefteye flounder meaning it has both eyes on the left side of the head and lies on its right side. It has the typical flattened oval shape of the flounder with the dorsal and anal fins forming a fringe around most of the body. The lateral line forms a strong arch over the pectoral fin. They swim by means of slight undulations of their fins and the outer edges of the body, keeping in contact with the bottom and seeming to “slide”.

They spawn over the continental shelf from August to April, and the developing larvae have an extended planktonic life drifting near the surface before settling to the bottom.

The coloring is grey or pale brown on the back with many small black and yellow spots, and whitish underneath.

The Witch eats worms, small crustaceans, and mollusks, and also small fish. It has no commercial value due to its thin watery flesh and many fine bones.