Georges Jansoone · CC BY 3.0 · Image source

Quick facts

SizeUp to 100 cm
WeightUp to 7 kg
LifespanUp to 50 years
Water typeMarine
Best timeYear-round in shallow waters.

About European Plaice

European plaice is a common flatfish in relatively shallow Icelandic waters.

Characteristics

  • Common in Iceland
  • Native species
  • Commercial species

Habitat

Sandy and muddy seabeds in shallow waters.

Diet

Benthic animals.

Spawning and reproduction

Period

Late February–June; later off northern Iceland

Reproduction

Mainly at depths of about 50–100 m. Most spawning occurs in warmer waters south and southwest of Iceland, but spawning also occurs off the Westfjords and northern Iceland.

Distribution around Iceland

Occurs in shallow waters and on soft seabeds around Iceland.
SourceLast verified: 09/09/2026