California halibut: Difference between revisions

California halibut
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Carangiformes
Family:	Paralichthyidae
Genus:	Paralichthys
Species:	P. californicus
Binomial name
	Paralichthys californicus; (Ayres, 1859)
Synonyms
	Hippoglossus californicus Ayres, 1859

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The California halibut or California flounder (Paralichthys californicus) is a large-tooth flounder native to the waters of the Pacific Coast of North America from the Quillayute River in Washington to Magdalena Bay in Baja California.^[2]^[3]

This is a demersal fish, living primarily in the lower water column as adults.^[2] They inhabit near shore regions and are free swimming.^[4] This is an unusual fish in that one eye migrates around from one side to the other as it grows from an upright fry or baby fish into an adult fish that lies on its side. This results in the adult fish having two eyes on the up-side as it lies on the ocean floor. Most flatfish are generally either right-eyed or left-eyed dominant, but the California halibut is unusual in having a roughly even number of each type. ^[5]^[6]

Like other flatfish, the halibut hides under sand or loose gravel, camouflaging into the sea floor. The are aggressive predators, using this camouflage to effectively ambush prey such as fishes and invertebrates.^[7]

Description

California halibut typically weighs 6 to 30 pounds (3 to 23 kg), with the largest reported weighing 72 pounds (32.7 kg). It is rare, but they can grow up to 60 inches (1.52 m),^[2] and their average length is 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm).^[7] The largest fish of this species are females since they grow faster, and males do not grow as large. The legal catch limit that applies to all commercial and recreational halibut fisheries is 22 inches and around 4 pounds , and this growth takes them about 3 to 5 years to reach.^[2]

This is an unusual fish in that one eye has to migrate around from one side to the other as it grows from a baby fish (fry) into an adult fish that lies on its side. The adult has two eyes on the up-side as it lies on the bottom. Differing from most flatfish species, the California halibut does not show a preference for the side of eye development, with roughly equal left and right sided eye development. ^[6]^[5]

Their body coloration is grayish brown with darker brown spots. They are known to change color and pattern to mimic substrates,^[7] serving as incredible camouflage into benthic mud, gravel, and sand. They use this for avoiding predators and to ambush prey. ^[8]^[9]^[2]

A fish that closely resembles the California halibut is the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), which is a larger species found in the northern Pacific Ocean. While the Pacific halibut has a similar flat body shape, it is generally larger and can reach 300 pounds (140 kg), and can be distinguished by its slightly different coloration and the position of the eyes. Additionally, the Pacific halibut inhabits colder waters than the California halibut.

Distribution and habitat

The geographic range for California halibut extends from the Quillayute River in northern Washington to Cabo Falsa (22°50’N) in southern Baja California, Mexico. ^[10]^[2] Halibut have also been reported in the upper Gulf of California. They are most commonly encountered within Bodega Bay, northern California, to Bahía de San Quintín, northern Baja California. In association with warm water events, halibut are occasionally common in Humboldt Bay.^[11] Within these regions, adult California halibut reside on the seabed, in shallow water areas.^[4] However, they are known to go as deep as 317 m.^[2]

Diet and predators

Halibut are carnivorous ambush predators that feed on fishes and invertebrates. They lie camouflaged in sediment and will swim up off the seabed to feed on schooling fish and invertebrates such as northern anchovy and market squid. ^[7] While common prey items vary with geographic location and life stage, other prey generally include species of shrimps, crabs, croakers, flatfish, gobies, herring, mackerel, midshipman, sand lance, saury, sculpins, silversides, and surfperch. ^[10]

Larger adult halibut are considered a cryptic top predator in the benthic community since this aggressive and carnivorous predator is often elusive in nature and are at a low risk of predation due to their relatively large adult size.^[10] Other than humans, marine mammals and larger shark species have been documented to eat adult halibut. However, during juvenile stages, halibut have more predators and are likely eaten by a wide variety of species such as sharks and rays, osprey, cormorants, and terns, and marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins.^[2]

Biology and ecology

California halibut have a maximum lifespan of around 30 years, although individuals rarely live beyond 15 years, and typically only females reach this older age. ^[5] Like other flatfish, California halibut undergo a unique metamorphosis during their early life stages, transforming from symmetric larvae to asymmetric juveniles.^[6] Initially, as larvae, they inhabit the water column, but as they metamorphose, they develop an eye on one side of their head and become bottom-dwelling flatfish.^[10] This adaptation allows them to shift from pelagic to benthic habitats, where they spend most of their lives.

These halibut are broadcast spawners with high fecundity, meaning they produce thousands of offspring in each spawning cycle. ^[7] Spawning occurs primarily from spring to summer, with males and females gathering in offshore waters to release their eggs and sperm into the open water, allowing fertilization to happen externally.^[13]^[11] This strategy disperses fertilized eggs widely, increasing the chances of larval survival. The spawning season’s peak varies by latitude, occurring earliest in Mexican waters and progressing northward through southern and central California. Though spawning occurs outside estuaries, bays like San Francisco Bay serve as essential nursery habitats for juvenile growth and maturation. ^[7]

Temperature-dependent sex determination is observed in California halibut. When raised at 15°C, they develop into an equal amount of females and males, but at higher temperatures (19°C and 23°C), more males are produced.^[14]^[10] Additionally, while most flatfish species have a set eye preference, California halibut can develop as either left- or right-eyed, a trait that occurs during metamorphosis around 42 days post-hatching, where one of their eyes migrate over their head to join the same side as their other eye.^[13] Juveniles that survive this stage are resilient, particularly to changes in salinity, though older juveniles may have reduced tolerance.

Recruitment success, or survival into adulthood, varies significantly by region, with central California exhibiting higher variability due to factors like upwelling and sea surface temperature, which can impact larval survival rates.^[13] This recruitment variability, influenced by abiotic factors, is critical for maintaining healthy population levels, as insufficient recruitment to adulthood can threaten population stability.^[10] ^[15]

Industry and recreation

On the Pacific coast, the California halibut supports important recreational and commercial fisheries throughout its range from the Oregon–Washington border in the United States to the southern part of Baja California in Mexico.^[16] ^[10]

Fishing for both recreational and commercial purposes is open year-round, except that trawling is prohibited from March 15 to June 15 within the California halibut Trawl Grounds in Southern California . Commercial hook-and-line fishing and recreational fishing are permitted throughout the state, except in designated protected areas.^[2] The gill net fishing is limited to Southern California, specifically south of Point Arguello. While the trawl fishing is allowed statewide, it must occur outside of state waters. Halibut fishing is commonly conducted from ports ranging from Bodega Bay to San Diego, occasionally extending further north to the port of Eureka. In 2019, halibut fishing activities were reported from all major port complexes across the state.^[2]

Various institutions in California, including the University of California – Davis, the California halibut Hatchery in Redondo Beach, and the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in San Diego, have partnered with organizations in Mexico, such as CICESE in Ensenada and CIBNOR in La Paz, Baja California Sur. ^[10] Together, they aim to establish the biological groundwork needed to advance the aquaculture of this species, focusing on both juvenile production for stock enhancement and the cultivation of market-sized individuals.^[10]^[12]

Halibut is a highly valued flatfish and a significant commodity in California. Although available year-round, it is especially abundant in the summer and is commonly found in California's restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers' markets. It can also be purchased directly at the dock, either whole or live. Halibut is rarely frozen, as freezing negatively affects its texture, which contributes to the artisanal nature of this fishery and keeps much of the product local within California.^[7]^[2]

References

^ Lea, B.; van der Heiden, A. (2010). "Paralichthys californicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T183801A8179465. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T183801A8179465.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k Lesyna, K., & Reilly , P. (2022). California Halibut Enhanced Status Report. CA Marine Species Portal. https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/california-halibut/false/
^ MacNamara, R., Mankiewicz, J. L., Salger, S. A., Stuart, K., Borski, R. J., Godwin, J., & Drawbridge, M. (2024). Temperature regulates sex determination and growth in the paralichthid flatfish California halibut. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology, 341(7), 811–821. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.2823
^ ^a ^b Alvarez-González, C.A., Cervantes-Trujano, M., Tovar-Ramírez, D. et al. Development of Digestive Enzymes in California Halibut Paralichthys californicus Larvae. Fish Physiol Biochem 31, 83–93 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-006-0003-8
^ ^a ^b ^c Allen, L. (1985). Recruitment, Distribution, and Feeding Habits of Young-of-the-Year California Halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in the Vicinity of Alamitos Bay-Long Beach Harbor, California, 1983-1985. Department of Biology, California State University. External links
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Daniels, H. V. S., & Watanabe, W. O. (2010). Practical Flatfish Culture and Stock Enhancement, 63–81. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780813810997.ch17
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2022. California halibut, Paralichthys californicus, Enhanced Status Report
^ Fitch, J., & Lavenberg, R. (2024a, March 29). California Marine Food and game fishes. Google Books. https://www.google.com/books/edition/California_Marine_Food_and_Game_Fishes/pA38EAAA QBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=california%2Bhalibut&pg=PT4&printsec=frontcover
^ Fitch, J., & Lavenberg, R. (2024a, March 29). California Marine Food and game fishes. Google Books. https://www.google.com/books/edition/California_Marine_Food_and_Game_Fishes/pA38EAAA QBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=california%2Bhalibut&pg=PT4&printsec=frontcover
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ MacNamara, R., Mankiewicz, J. L., Salger, S. A., Stuart, K., Borski, R. J., Godwin, J., & Drawbridge, M. (2024). Temperature regulates sex determination and growth in the paralichthid flatfish California halibut. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology, 341(7), 811–821. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.2823
^ ^a ^b Allen, L. (1985). Recruitment, Distribution, and Feeding Habits of Young-of-the-Year California Halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in the Vicinity of Alamitos Bay-Long Beach Harbor, California, 1983-1985. Department of Biology, California State University. External links
^ ^a ^b Conklin, D. E., Piedrahita, R. H., Merino, G. E., Muguet, J. B., Bush, D. E., Gisbert, E., … Cervantes-Trujano, M. (2004). Development of California Halibut, Paralichthys californicus, Culture. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, 14(3–4), 143–154. https://doi.org/10.1300/J028v14n03_11
^ ^a ^b ^c Power, D., Einarsdottir, I., Pittman, K., Sweeney, G., & Hildahl, J. (2008). The Molecular and Endocrine Basis of Flatfish Metamorphosis.
^ Madon, S. (2002). Ecophysiology of juvenile California halibut paralichthys californicus in relation to body size, water temperature and salinity. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 243, 235–249. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps243235
^ Barnes, C. L., Starr, R., & Rielly, P. (2015). Growth, Mortality, and Reproductive Potential of California Halibut (Paralichthys Californicus) off Central California. https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.wd2a-vj4j
^ Allen, M.J. 1990. The biological environment of the California halibut, Paralichthys californicus. Fish Bulletin (California Department of Fish and Game)

"Paralichthys californicus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 18 April 2006.
Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Paralichthys californicus". FishBase. February 2006 version.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Species of fish}}
-{{Taxobox
+{{Speciesbox
 | image = Halibut 300.jpg
-| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
+| status = LC
+| status_system = IUCN3.1
-| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
+| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 18 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Lea, B. |author2=van der Heiden, A. |date=2010 |title=''Paralichthys californicus'' |volume=2010 |page=e.T183801A8179465 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T183801A8179465.en |access-date=18 November 2021}}</ref>
-| classis = [[Actinopterygii]]
+| taxon = Paralichthys californicus
-| ordo = [[Pleuronectiformes]]
+| authority = ([[William Orville Ayres|Ayres]], 1859)
-| familia = [[Paralichthyidae]]
+| synonyms = ''Hippoglossus californicus'' <small>Ayres, 1859</small>
-| genus = ''[[Paralichthys]]''
-| species = '''''P. californicus'''''
-| binomial = ''Paralichthys californicus''
-| binomial_authority = ([[William Orville Ayres|Ayres]], 1859)
 }}
 [[File:Pacific halibut.JPG|thumb|A well camouflaged California halibut]]
-The '''California halibut''' or '''California flounder''', ''Paralichthys californicus'', is a [[large-tooth flounder]] native to the waters of the Pacific Coast of North America from the [[Quillayute River]] in [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] to [[Magdalena Bay]] in [[Baja California]].  It feeds near shore and is free swimming. It typically weighs 6 to 50 pounds (3 to 23&nbsp;kg). It is much smaller than the larger and more northern-ranging [[Pacific halibut]] that can reach 300 pounds (140&nbsp;kg).
+The '''California halibut''' or '''California flounder''' (''Paralichthys californicus'') is a [[large-tooth flounder]] native to the waters of the Pacific Coast of North America from the [[Quillayute River]] in [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] to [[Magdalena Bay]] in [[Baja California]].<ref name ="les" > Lesyna, K., & Reilly , P. (2022). California Halibut Enhanced Status Report. CA Marine Species Portal. https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/california-halibut/false/ </ref><ref>MacNamara, R., Mankiewicz, J. L., Salger, S. A., Stuart, K., Borski, R. J., Godwin, J., & Drawbridge, M. (2024). Temperature regulates sex determination and growth in the paralichthid flatfish California halibut. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology, 341(7), 811–821. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.2823 </ref>
+This is a [[demersal]] fish, living primarily in the lower water column as adults.<ref name="les" /> They inhabit near shore regions and are free swimming.<ref name = "alva" >Alvarez-González, C.A., Cervantes-Trujano, M., Tovar-Ramírez, D. et al. Development of Digestive Enzymes in California Halibut Paralichthys californicus Larvae. Fish Physiol Biochem 31, 83–93 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-006-0003-8
-A top level predator that hunts by stealth, it is prized by fishermen as great table fare.
+</ref> This is an unusual fish in that one eye migrates around from one side to the other as it grows from an upright fry or baby fish into an adult fish that lies on its side.  This results in the adult fish having two eyes on the up-side as it lies on the ocean floor. Most flatfish are generally either right-eyed or left-eyed dominant, but the California halibut is unusual in having a roughly even number of each type. <ref name ="allen" >Allen, L. (1985). Recruitment, Distribution, and Feeding Habits of Young-of-the-Year California Halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in the Vicinity of Alamitos Bay-Long Beach Harbor, California, 1983-1985. Department of Biology, California State University.
+External links</ref><ref name = "daniel">Daniels, H. V. S., & Watanabe, W. O. (2010). Practical Flatfish Culture and Stock Enhancement, 63–81. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780813810997.ch17 </ref>
+Like other [[flatfish]], the halibut hides under sand or loose gravel, camouflaging into the sea floor. The are aggressive predators, using this camouflage to effectively ambush prey such as fishes and invertebrates.<ref name = "cali" >California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2022. California halibut, Paralichthys californicus, Enhanced Status Report</ref>
-Sport fishers typically use light fishing gear and live baits for this halibut.  Baits include [[anchovies]], [[sardine]], [[squid]], [[mackerel]], and [[queenfish]] (brownbait).  Some [[anglers]] use plastic lures and [[scampi]]type "lead heads" to fool a halibut into striking.
+==Description==
-Mostly fishing from boats in the coastal regions, anglers catch good quantities of halibut in 10 to 80 feet of water.  Sometimes the fish are caught from shore or by [[kayak]] fishermen in very shallow water.  Slow trolling and [[drift fishing]] is the preferred method of bait presentation.
+California halibut typically weighs 6 to 30 pounds (3 to 23 kg), with the largest reported weighing 72 pounds (32.7 kg). It is rare, but they can grow up to 60 inches (1.52 m),<ref name="les" /> and their average length is 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm).<ref name = "cali" />  The largest fish of this species are females since they grow faster, and males do not grow as large. The legal catch limit that applies to all commercial and recreational halibut fisheries is 22 inches and around 4 pounds , and this growth takes them about 3 to 5 years to reach.<ref name="les" />
-This is an unusual fish in that one eye has to migrate around from one side to the other as it grows from an upright fry or baby fish into an adult fish that lies on its side.  The adult has two eyes on the up-side as it lies on the bottom. Most flatfish are generally either right-eyed or left-eyed, but the California halibut is unusual in having a roughly even number of each type. Like other [[flatfish]], the halibut hides under sand or loose gravel and blends into the bottom.
+This is an unusual fish in that one eye has to migrate around from one side to the other as it grows from a baby fish (fry)  into an adult fish that lies on its side. The adult has two eyes on the up-side as it lies on the bottom. Differing from most flatfish species, the California halibut does not show a preference for the side of eye development, with roughly equal left and right sided eye development. <ref name="daniel" /><ref name = "allen" />
+Their body coloration is grayish brown with darker brown spots. They are known to change color and pattern to mimic substrates,<ref name = "cali" /> serving  as incredible camouflage into [[benthic]] mud, gravel, and sand. They use this for avoiding predators and to ambush prey. <ref>Fitch, J., & Lavenberg, R. (2024a, March 29). California Marine Food and game fishes. Google Books. https://www.google.com/books/edition/California_Marine_Food_and_Game_Fishes/pA38EAAA
-==Sportfishing==
+QBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=california%2Bhalibut&pg=PT4&printsec=frontcover
-The halibut is loved as a sport fishing target species and prized by fishermen of the southern California coastline.  It has been taken frequently from shore by surf fishermen.  It is sometimes caught from the rocks or near piers.  However the most common way to catch them is from a boat with a live bait while drifting across the water.  Santa Monica Bay and Los Angeles Harbor are famous for the success of catching them this way.
+</ref><ref name = "fitch" >Fitch, J., & Lavenberg, R. (2024a, March 29). California Marine Food and game fishes. Google Books. https://www.google.com/books/edition/California_Marine_Food_and_Game_Fishes/pA38EAAA
+QBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=california%2Bhalibut&pg=PT4&printsec=frontcover
+</ref><ref name = "les" />
+A fish that closely resembles the California halibut is the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), which is a larger species found in the northern Pacific Ocean. While the [[Pacific halibut]] has a similar flat body shape, it is generally larger and can reach 300 pounds (140&nbsp;kg), and can be distinguished by its slightly different coloration and the position of the eyes. Additionally, the Pacific halibut inhabits colder waters than the California halibut.
-A fishing event in Santa Monica Bay relies on this love of halibut fishing to produce an annual charity fishing event,  The Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby.
+==Distribution and habitat==
+[[File:Geographic Range of California Halibut.png|thumb|The geographic range for halibut is indicated by a red line and red labels, and the common range is indicated by green labels. Source: https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/california-halibut/the-species/]]
+The geographic range for California halibut extends from the Quillayute River in northern Washington to Cabo Falsa (22°50’N) in southern Baja California, Mexico. <ref name = "mac" >MacNamara, R., Mankiewicz, J. L., Salger, S. A., Stuart, K., Borski, R. J., Godwin, J., & Drawbridge, M. (2024). Temperature regulates sex determination and growth in the paralichthid flatfish California halibut. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology, 341(7), 811–821. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.2823 </ref><ref name = "les" />  Halibut have also been reported in the upper Gulf of California. They are most commonly encountered within Bodega Bay, northern California, to Bahía de San Quintín, northern Baja California. In association with warm water events, halibut are occasionally common in Humboldt Bay.<ref name = "allen85" >Allen, L. (1985). Recruitment, Distribution, and Feeding Habits of Young-of-the-Year California Halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in the Vicinity of Alamitos Bay-Long Beach Harbor, California, 1983-1985. Department of Biology, California State University.
+External links
+</ref> Within these regions, adult California halibut reside on the seabed, in shallow water areas.<ref name = "alva" /> However, they are known to go as deep as 317 m.<ref name = "les" />
+==Diet and predators==
+Halibut are carnivorous ambush predators that feed on fishes and [[invertebrates]]. They lie camouflaged in sediment and will swim up off the seabed to feed on schooling fish and invertebrates such as northern anchovy and market squid. <ref name = "cali" />  While common prey items vary with geographic location and life stage, other prey generally include species of shrimps, crabs, croakers, flatfish, gobies, herring, mackerel, midshipman, sand lance, saury, sculpins, silversides, and surfperch. <ref name = "mac" />
+Larger adult halibut are considered a cryptic top predator in the benthic community since this aggressive and carnivorous predator is often elusive in nature and are at a low risk of predation due to their relatively large adult size.<ref name = "mac" /> Other than humans, marine mammals and larger shark species have been documented to eat adult halibut. However, during juvenile stages, halibut have more predators and are likely eaten by a wide variety of species such as sharks and rays, osprey, cormorants, and terns, and marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins.<ref name = "les" />
+==Biology and ecology==
+[[File:Metamorphosis of California halibut.png|thumb|Growth in standard length of California halibut from hatching to the completion of metamorphosis.<ref name = "conk" >Conklin, D. E., Piedrahita, R. H., Merino, G. E., Muguet, J. B., Bush, D. E., Gisbert, E., … Cervantes-Trujano, M. (2004). Development of California Halibut, Paralichthys californicus, Culture. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, 14(3–4), 143–154. https://doi.org/10.1300/J028v14n03_11</ref>]]
+California halibut have a maximum lifespan of around 30 years, although individuals rarely live beyond 15 years, and typically only females reach this older age. <ref name = "allen" /> Like other flatfish, California halibut undergo a unique [[metamorphosis]] during their early life stages, transforming from symmetric larvae to asymmetric juveniles.<ref name = "daniel" /> Initially, as larvae, they inhabit the water column, but as they metamorphose, they develop an eye on one side of their head and become bottom-dwelling [[flatfish]].<ref name = "mac" /> This adaptation allows them to shift from pelagic to benthic habitats, where they spend most of their lives.
+These halibut are broadcast spawners with high [[fecundity]], meaning they produce thousands of offspring in each spawning cycle. <ref name = "cali" /> Spawning occurs primarily from spring to summer, with males and females gathering in offshore waters to release their eggs and sperm into the open water, allowing fertilization to happen externally.<ref name = "power" >Power, D., Einarsdottir, I., Pittman, K., Sweeney, G., & Hildahl, J. (2008). The Molecular and Endocrine Basis of Flatfish Metamorphosis.
+</ref><ref name = "allen85" /> This strategy disperses fertilized eggs widely, increasing the chances of larval survival. The spawning season’s peak varies by latitude, occurring earliest in Mexican waters and progressing northward through southern and central California. Though spawning occurs outside estuaries, bays like San Francisco Bay serve as essential nursery habitats for juvenile growth and maturation. <ref name = "cali" />
+Temperature-dependent sex determination is observed in California halibut. When raised at 15°C, they develop into an equal amount of females and males, but at higher temperatures (19°C and 23°C), more males are produced.<ref>Madon, S. (2002). [[Ecophysiology]] of juvenile California halibut paralichthys californicus in relation to body size, water temperature and salinity. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 243, 235–249. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps243235 </ref><ref name = "mac" /> Additionally, while most flatfish species have a set eye preference, California halibut can develop as either left- or right-eyed, a trait that occurs during metamorphosis around 42 days post-hatching, where one of their eyes migrate over their head to join the same side as their other eye.<ref name = "power" /> Juveniles that survive this stage are resilient, particularly to changes in salinity, though older juveniles may have reduced tolerance.
+Recruitment success, or survival into adulthood, varies significantly by region, with central California exhibiting higher variability due to factors like [[upwelling]] and sea surface temperature, which can impact larval survival rates.<ref name = "power" /> This recruitment variability, influenced by abiotic factors, is critical for maintaining healthy population levels, as insufficient recruitment to adulthood can threaten population stability.<ref name = "mac" /> <ref name = "barnes" > Barnes, C. L., Starr, R., & Rielly, P. (2015). Growth, Mortality, and Reproductive Potential of California Halibut (Paralichthys Californicus) off Central California. https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.wd2a-vj4j </ref>
+==Industry and recreation==
+[[File:Flatfish aquaculture production by country (FAO 2006).png|thumb|Flatfish aquaculture production by country (FAO 2006)<ref name = "daniel" />]]
+On the Pacific coast, the California halibut supports important recreational and commercial fisheries throughout its range from the Oregon–Washington border in the United States to the southern part of Baja California in Mexico.<ref>Allen, M.J. 1990. The biological environment of the California halibut, Paralichthys
+californicus. Fish Bulletin (California Department of Fish and Game)
+</ref> <ref name = "mac" />
+Fishing for both recreational and commercial purposes is open year-round, except that [[trawling]] is prohibited from March 15 to June 15 within the California halibut Trawl Grounds in Southern California . Commercial hook-and-line fishing and recreational fishing are permitted throughout the state, except in designated protected areas.<ref name = "les" /> The gill net fishing is limited to Southern California, specifically south of Point Arguello. While the trawl fishing is allowed statewide, it must occur outside of state waters. Halibut fishing is commonly conducted from ports ranging from Bodega Bay to San Diego, occasionally extending further north to the port of Eureka. In 2019, halibut fishing activities were reported from all major port complexes across the state.<ref name = "les" />
+Various institutions in California, including the University of California – Davis, the California halibut Hatchery in Redondo Beach, and the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in San Diego, have partnered with organizations in Mexico, such as CICESE in Ensenada and CIBNOR in La Paz, Baja California Sur. <ref name = "mac" /> Together, they aim to establish the biological groundwork needed to advance the [[aquaculture]] of this species, focusing on both juvenile production for stock enhancement and the cultivation of market-sized individuals.<ref name = "mac" /><ref name = "conk" />
+Halibut is a highly valued flatfish and a significant commodity in California. Although available year-round, it is especially abundant in the summer and is commonly found in California's restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers' markets. It can also be purchased directly at the dock, either whole or live. Halibut is rarely frozen, as freezing negatively affects its texture, which contributes to the artisanal nature of this fishery and keeps much of the product local within California.<ref name = "cali" /><ref name = "les" />
 ==References==
+{{Reflist}}
 * {{ITIS |id=172743 |taxon=Paralichthys californicus |accessdate=18 April 2006}}
-* {{FishBase species | genus = Paralichthys | species = californicus | month = February | year = 2006}}
+* {{FishBase | genus = Paralichthys | species = californicus | month = February | year = 2006}}
 == External links==
 * [http://www.csun.edu/~nmfrp/californiahalibut.html Dr. Larry Allen of CSUN.edu on California Halibut]
 * [http://www.halibutderby.com California Halibut is key fish of oldest fishing tournament in Southern California - '''MDR Halibut Derby''']
-* [http://www.mdranglers.com/Fish-tips-halibut.html Tips for California Halibut fishing.]
+* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928214706/http://www.mdranglers.com/Fish-tips-halibut.html Tips for California Halibut fishing.]
 * [http://www.channelislandssportfishing.com/world-records California World Record Halibut]
@@ Line 42: / Line 81: @@
 *Oda, D. 1991. Development of eggs and larvae of California halibut ''Paralichthys californicus'' and fantail sole ''Xystreurys liolepis'' (Pisces: Paralichthyidae). ''Fishery Bulletin'', U.S. 89:387-402.
+{{Taxonbar|from=Q942266}}
+{{Authority control}}
-[[Category:Paralichthyidae]]
+[[Category:Paralichthyidae|California halibut]]
-[[Category:Fish of the Pacific Ocean]]
-[[Category:Marine fauna of North America]]
-[[Category:Fish of Mexico]]
-[[Category:Fish of the Western United States]]
 [[Category:Fauna of California]]
-[[Category:Edible fish]]
+[[Category:Fauna of the Baja California Peninsula]]
-[[Category:Sport fish]]
+[[Category:Fish of the Gulf of California]]
+[[Category:Fish of the Western United States]]
+[[Category:Game fish]]
+[[Category:Fauna of the San Francisco Bay Area]]
+[[Category:Fish described in 1859|California halibut]]