A halibut is a large, flat ocean fish that lives on the seafloor in cold northern waters. These remarkable fish can grow enormous: the largest halibut on record weighed over 500 pounds and measured nearly nine feet long, about as long as a car!

Halibut have both eyes on one side of their head, which sounds strange until you understand how they live. They lie flat on the ocean bottom, camouflaged against the sand and rocks, waiting to ambush smaller fish that swim by. Having both eyes on top means they can watch for prey above them while staying perfectly hidden.

Halibut are prized by both commercial fishermen and sport fishermen. Halibut has firm, white meat that tastes mild and slightly sweet, making it popular in restaurants. In Alaska, where halibut fishing is a major industry, catching one of these giants is considered a real achievement. Some fishing charters take tourists out specifically to try landing a halibut, which can put up quite a fight on the end of a line.