Candidate Species

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

During the recent decades, flatfishes are of interest for aquaculture in Europe, especially turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) (Fig. 1), sole (Sole solea) and halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) are candidates for the commercial aquaculture. However, only the aquaculture of turbot makes commercially effective progress, reaching market size after 18 to 24 months. In 1996 3.050 t were cultivated in six European countries, in which Spain (1.800 t) and France (980 t) are leading in the production (FAO). Interestingly, next to the size of the turbot, the correct pigmentation is a decisive factor for consumer's acceptance. The market offers commercial possibilities especially because catches from wild stocks are low (less than 10.000 t per year).