Greenback Flounder

Rhombosolea Tapirina
Greenback Flounder - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Rhombosolea Tapirina
Other names Melbourne Flounder, Southern Flounder
Size Up to 45 cm (17.7 in)
Weight Up to 1 kg (2.2 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters in bays & estuaries in sandy, silty & muddy areas
Depth Range
Greenback Flounder Distribution

Interesting Info

  • The Greenback Flounder are ambush predators but also dig for prey and are typically found in depths up to 100m (328 ft).
  • They are commonly found in Southern parts of Australia – WA, SA, VIC, TAS & NSW
  • These fish are carnivores feeding on crustaceans, worms & small fish.
  • Estimates of lifespan are between 5 & 10 years.
  • The female fish of the species grow slightly larger than males.
  • The main predators of Greenback Flounder include sharks, larger predatory fish and marine mammals.
Species Interaction

Recreational & Commercial Fishing

Greenback Flounder are a popularly targeted fish due to their great taste. They are a righteye flounder and are nocturnal.

These flounder have a sizable range across southern parts of Australia to New Zealand.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Pleuronectiformes

Family: Pleuronectidae

Genus: Rhombosolea

Species: Rhombosolea Tapirina

Conservation Status

There is little information on the conservation status of the Greenback Flounder. This species has not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Fish Taste Quality

Greenback Flounder are a edible and highly targeted fish for consumption.

Taste Rating: 4/5

How to catch
Greenback Flounder

Catch Difficulty: Easy

Tackle: Patternoster Rig, Running Sinker Rig

Bait: Anchovy, Crab, Fresh cut flesh baits, Herring, Lures, Prawns, Worms

Technique: Keep bait on the bottom

Popularity: Popular