The turbot is one of the finest members of the flatfish family. It prefers moderately warm habitats where the water is not too deep, feeling at home on sandy, rocky or mixed ground mostly at a depth of 20 to 70 metres. A special characteristic of the turbot is its discus-shaped body. It can grow up to length of one metre and reach a weight of 20 kilograms. On the market, however, it usually weighs one to four kilograms. Turbot have a white underside, a flat dark grey or brown topside and have characteristic small bumps, resembling stones, on their skin. This topside enables the turbot to adapt very well to its surroundings and is therefore difficult for enemies to detect. Optimally, it can live up to 22 years.
Turbot reach sexually maturity in the fifth year and spawn in the period from April to August. Turbot larvae, like all flatfish larvae, are initially symmetrical and float upright in the water. Only in the course of its development, does the eye move toward the back of the head to the other side of the body. The young fish then begin to swim on their side. Turbot is one of the left-eyed species. It has a large mouth with many small, sharp teeth.
Turbot originating from the Baltic Sea are usually smaller and lighter than other members of this flatfish family. Noticeably, there are significantly more male than female turbot in all populated areas.
