Flounder vs. Fluke — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 18, 2024
Flounder and fluke are both types of flatfish; flounder refers to several species, while fluke specifically denotes species like the summer flounder.
Difference Between Flounder and Fluke
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Flounder encompasses a wide group of flatfish species found across various marine environments. Whereas fluke, commonly referred to as summer flounder or paralichthys dentatus, is a specific type of flounder predominantly found along the Atlantic coast of the US.
Flounder are known for their ability to blend with the ocean floor, thanks to their eye and color adaptation. On the other hand, fluke have more distinctive teeth and an aggressive hunting style, setting them apart in behavior and physical traits.
The habitat of flounder varies widely; some species live in deep oceanic waters, while others prefer coastal shallows. Conversely, fluke are typically found in inshore waters and are known for migrating from the ocean to bays and lagoons seasonally.
When it comes to fishing, flounder are sought for various reasons, including sport and commercial value, across different regions. While fluke are particularly prized in the recreational fishing community for their fighting ability and taste.
Flounder can be identified by their two eyes on one side of their body, which can be the right or left side, depending on the species. Fluke generally have their eyes on the left side, making them a type of "left-eyed" flatfish.
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Comparison Chart
Species Variety
Includes multiple species worldwide.
Primarily refers to summer flounder.
Teeth
Teeth can vary by species.
Prominent, sharp teeth.
Habitat
Deep and shallow waters globally.
Coastal, inshore waters of the Atlantic.
Eye Position
Right or left side, varies by species.
Typically left-sided.
Fishing Popularity
Popular both in commercial and sport fishing.
Highly prized in sport fishing for its taste and fight.
Compare with Definitions
Flounder
Known for both eyes on one side of the body.
The flounder camouflages itself perfectly with the ocean floor.
Fluke
Noted for aggressive behavior and sharp teeth.
The fluke snapped at the bait with its sharp teeth.
Flounder
Adapts color based on the environment.
The flounder changed its color to match the sandy ocean bottom.
Fluke
Left-eyed flatfish.
Like most fluke, this one had its eyes on the left side.
Flounder
Popular target for fishing.
Flounder fishing is popular due to their taste and availability.
Fluke
Commonly known as summer flounder.
Fluke is a favorite catch among fishermen during the summer.
Flounder
A group of flatfish species.
He caught a flounder in the shallow coastal waters.
Fluke
Primarily found in the Atlantic off the US coast.
He goes fluke fishing every year on the Jersey coast.
Flounder
Varies widely in habitat and appearance.
Flounder species can be found in both northern and tropical waters.
Fluke
Seasonally migrates to bays and estuaries.
The fluke migrate to warmer inshore waters in spring.
Flounder
Flounders are a group of flatfish species. They are demersal fish, found at the bottom of oceans around the world; some species will also enter estuaries.
Fluke
An unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck
Their victory was a bit of a fluke
Flounder
To move clumsily or with little progress, as through water or mud.
Fluke
A parasitic flatworm which typically has suckers and hooks for attachment to the host. Some species are of veterinary or medical importance.
Flounder
To act or function in a confused or directionless manner; struggle
"Some ... floundered professionally, never quite deciding what they wanted to do" (Steve Olson). See Usage Note at founder1.
Fluke
A flatfish, especially a flounder.
Flounder
The act of floundering.
Fluke
A broad triangular plate on the arm of an anchor.
Flounder
Any of various marine flatfishes chiefly of the families Bothidae and Pleuronectidae, including several important food fishes.
Fluke
Either of the lobes of a whale's tail.
Flounder
A European species of flatfish having dull brown colouring with reddish-brown blotches; fluke, European flounder, Platichthys flesus.
Fluke
Achieve (something) by luck rather than skill.
Flounder
(North America) Any of various flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae or Bothidae.
Fluke
Any of numerous parasitic flatworms, including the trematodes, some of which infect humans, and the monogeneans, which are chiefly ectoparasites of fish.
Flounder
A bootmaker's tool for crimping boot fronts.
Fluke
Any of various flatfishes chiefly of the genus Paralichthys, especially the summer flounder.
Flounder
(intransitive) To act clumsily or confused; to struggle or be flustered.
He gave a good speech, but floundered when audience members asked questions he could not answer well.
Fluke
(Nautical) The triangular blade at the end of an arm of an anchor, designed to catch in the ground.
Flounder
(intransitive) To flop around as a fish out of water.
Fluke
A barb or barbed head, as on an arrow or a harpoon.
Flounder
(intransitive) To make clumsy attempts to move or regain one's balance.
Robert yanked Connie's leg vigorously, causing her to flounder and eventually fall.
Fluke
Either of the two horizontally flattened divisions of the tail of a whale.
Flounder
To be in serious difficulty.
Fluke
A chance occurrence
That spring snowstorm was a total fluke.
Flounder
A flatfish of the family Pleuronectidæ, of many species.
Fluke
(Games) An accidentally good or successful stroke in billiards or pool.
Flounder
A tool used in crimping boot fronts.
Fluke
A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.
The first goal was just a fluke.
Flounder
The act of floundering.
Fluke
A flounder.
Flounder
To fling the limbs and body, as in making efforts to move; to struggle, as a horse in the mire, or as a fish on land; to roll, toss, and tumble; to flounce.
They have floundered on from blunder to blunder.
Fluke
A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the Trematoda class, related to the tapeworm.
The man had become infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.
Flounder
Flesh of any of various American and European flatfish
Fluke
Either of the two lobes of a whale's or similar creature's tail.
The dolphin had an open wound on the left fluke of its tail where the propeller had injured it.
Flounder
Any of various European and non-European marine flatfish
Fluke
(nautical) Any of the triangular blades at the end of an anchor, designed to catch the ground.
The fluke of the anchor was wedged between two outcroppings of rock and could not be dislodged.
Flounder
Walk with great difficulty;
He staggered along in the heavy snow
Fluke
A metal hook on the head of certain staff weapons (such as a bill), made in various forms depending on function, whether used for grappling or to penetrate armour when swung at an opponent.
The polearm had a wide, sharpened fluke attached to the central point.
Flounder
Behave awkwardly; have difficulties;
She is floundering in college
Fluke
In general, a winglike formation on a central piece.
After casting the bronze statue, we filed down the flukes and spurs from the molding process.
Fluke
Waste cotton.
Fluke
To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.
I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.
Fluke
(snooker) To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.
He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.
Fluke
The European flounder. See Flounder.
Fluke
Any American flounder of the genus Paralichthys, especially Paralicthys dentatus, found in the Atlantic Ocean and in adjacent bays.
Fluke
A parasitic trematode worm of several species, having a flat, lanceolate body and two suckers. Two species (Fasciola hepatica and Distoma lanceolatum) are found in the livers of sheep, and produce the disease called rot.
Fluke
The part of an anchor which fastens in the ground; a flook. See Anchor.
Fluke
One of the lobes of a whale's tail, so called from the resemblance to the fluke of an anchor.
Fluke
An instrument for cleaning out a hole drilled in stone for blasting.
Fluke
An accidental and favorable stroke at billiards (called a scratch in the United States); hence, any accidental or unexpected advantage; as, he won by a fluke.
Fluke
To get or score by a fluke; as, to fluke a play in billiards.
Fluke
A stroke of luck
Fluke
A barb on a harpoon or arrow
Fluke
Flat blade-like projection on the arm of an anchor
Fluke
Either of the two lobes of the tail of a cetacean
Fluke
Parasitic flatworms having external suckers for attaching to a host
Common Curiosities
How do flounder camouflage?
Flounder can change their color and pattern to blend into the ocean floor, aiding in protection from predators.
What makes fluke a popular fish for sport fishing?
Fluke are valued for their challenging fight when hooked and their desirable taste.
Where can flounder be found?
Flounder species are found in oceans worldwide, from shallow waters to deep seas.
Can flounder and fluke be caught in the same waters?
In some areas, especially along the U.S. Atlantic coast, both flounder and fluke may be found.
What is a flounder?
Flounder refers to a variety of flatfish species known for having both eyes on one side of their body as adults.
What is a fluke?
Fluke typically refers to the summer flounder, a type of flatfish known for its left-sided eyes and aggressive nature.
Are all flounder left-eyed?
Not all; flounder can be either right-eyed or left-eyed depending on the species.
What are the best techniques for catching fluke?
Effective techniques include using live bait and jigging in inshore waters during their migration season.
What is unique about fluke’s teeth?
Fluke have sharp, prominent teeth, which are more pronounced than those of many other flounder species.
How do flounder and fluke differ in habitat?
While flounder can inhabit a range of depths and regions, fluke typically stick to Atlantic coastal waters.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
