The marine waters of regions like Washington State host over 90 species of bottomfish. Major categories include:
Bottom fish, technically known as or groundfish, are species that live and feed on or near the seabed. These fish inhabit environments ranging from shallow coastal bays to the deep continental slope. Key Characteristics & Anatomy
Includes a wide variety of rockfish, lingcod, sablefish (black cod), and cabezon.
Many possess "inferior" mouths that point downward to feed on prey or detritus below them. Common Species & Groups
Most bottom fish share specific physical adaptations to their low-level environment:
Halibut, flounder, sole, and dabs. Halibut are the largest, sometimes called "barn doors" when they reach several hundred pounds. Roundfish: Cod, haddock, pollock, and hake.
Bottom fish are highly regarded in the culinary world for their versatile textures: