The Plaice is a diamond-shaped flatfish which lives on the sea bottom, on sandy or gravel shores. Young fish can sometimes be found in rockpools. Plaice are mainly nocturnal, feeding on molluscs and worms which they crush with their strong jaws. During the day, they tend to bury themselves in sand or gravel, lying hidden and well-camouflaged.
Plaice are a commercially important species and are under threat from overfishing. You can help by being careful about what you choose in the supermarket - go for sustainably produced fish and shellfish, preferably with the Marine Stewardship Council's logo. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives.
