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Species · Lookalikes

Gulf FlounderorSouthern Flounder

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of a Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albigutta), seen from above, on a white background
Gulf FlounderParalichthys albigutta
Studio photograph of a Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma), seen from above, on a white background
Southern FlounderParalichthys lethostigma

Rules for both fish from 9 state rulebooks, checked Sep 18, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Gulf Flounder

Three ocellated (eye-ringed) spots in a triangle — two above, one below the lateral line — on a sandy left-facing flatfish.

Southern Flounder

Left-facing flatfish, no eyed ocelli — plain mottled brown. Gulf and summer flounder carry eye-like spots.

Southern flounder, next to Gulf flounder: no eye-ringed spots at all.

Side by side

Gulf FlounderSouthern Flounder
Scientific nameParalichthys albiguttaParalichthys lethostigma
Also called—Flounder
WatersInshoreInshore
Heaviest state record7 lb 2 oz · North Carolina (2011)20.56 lb · Florida (1983)
On the tableExcellent — same table as any flounder.Excellent — mild, white, hard to beat.
Rules of its own in9 states9 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

Where either fish has a rule, the two are regulated the same. The name still goes in the log and on the tally.

StateGulf Flounder: size · bag · seasonSouthern Flounder: size · bag · season
Alabama14 in total length minimum5 per personOpen year-round except Nov 1-30 (take or possession prohibited in November)OpenAL MRD 2026 · checked 14 in total length minimum5 per personOpen year-round except Nov 1-30 (take or possession prohibited in November)OpenAL MRD 2026 · checked
Florida (Atlantic)14 in TL min5 per person (all flounder species combined)Closed Oct 15-Nov 30OpenFWC 2026 · checked 14 in TL min5 per person (all flounder species combined)Closed Oct 15-Nov 30OpenFWC 2026 · checked
Florida (Gulf)14 in TL min5 per person (all flounder species combined)Closed Oct 15-Nov 30OpenFWC 2026 · checked 14 in TL min5 per person (all flounder species combined)Closed Oct 15-Nov 30OpenFWC 2026 · checked
Georgia12 in total length15 per person per dayOpen year-roundOpenGA DNR CRD 2026 · checked 12 in total length15 per person per dayOpen year-roundOpenGA DNR CRD 2026 · checked
LouisianaNo size limit10 per personOpen except Oct. 15–Nov. 30 annual closureOpenLDWF 2026 · likely · checked No size limit10 per personOpen except Oct. 15–Nov. 30 annual closureOpenLDWF 2026 · checked
Mississippi12 in total length minimum10 per person per dayOpen year-roundOpenMS DMR 2026 · checked 12 in total length minimum10 per person per dayOpen year-roundOpenMS DMR 2026 · checked
North Carolina15 in TL min1/daySep 1 - Sep 14, 2026 (plus Gulf-flounder-only ocean window Mar 9 - 22, 2026, now past)ClosedNC DMF 2026 · checked 15 in TL min1/daySep 1 - Sep 14, 2026ClosedNC DMF 2026 · checked
South Carolina16 in total length5/day, max 10/boatOpen year-roundOpenSC DNR 2026 · checked 16 in total length5/day, max 10/boatOpen year-roundOpenSC DNR 2026 · checked
Texas15 in total length5Open year-round except closed Nov 1 – Dec 14OpenTPWD 2026 · checked 15 in total length5Open year-round except closed Nov 1 – Dec 14OpenTPWD 2026 · checked

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, Gulf flounder or southern flounder, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell Gulf flounder from southern flounder?

Gulf Flounder: Three ocellated (eye-ringed) spots in a triangle — two above, one below the lateral line — on a sandy left-facing flatfish. Southern Flounder: Left-facing flatfish, no eyed ocelli — plain mottled brown. Gulf and summer flounder carry eye-like spots. Southern flounder, next to Gulf flounder: no eye-ringed spots at all.

Which gets bigger, Gulf flounder or southern flounder?

Southern Flounder. The heaviest state record we hold is 20.56 lb in Florida; the heaviest Gulf flounder record is 7 lb 2 oz in North Carolina.

Which is better to eat, Gulf flounder or southern flounder?

Gulf Flounder: Excellent — same table as any flounder. Southern Flounder: Excellent — mild, white, hard to beat.

Do Gulf flounder and southern flounder have the same limits?

Yes, in every state that regulates either one. The table on this page lists each rule with its source and check date.