Easy Halibut Trivia Questions
What is a Halibut?
A: Halibut is a common name principally applied
to the two flatfish in the genus Hippoglossus
from the family of right-eye flounders.
The Pacific halibut is the world's largest what?
A: Flatfish.
In July 2014, 76-year-old Jack McGuire caught a
Pacific halibut in Glacier Bay, Alaska weighing
how much?
A: 482-pounds.
Halibut are dark brown on the top side with an
off-white what?
A: Underbelly.
At birth, they have an eye on each side of the
head, and swim like a what?
A: A salmon.
After six months, one eye does what?
A: Migrates to the other side, making them look
more like flounder.
At the same time, the stationary-eyed side does
what?
A: Darkens to match the top side.
What does this color scheme do for the Halibut?
A: Disguises halibut from above and from below.
This phenomenon is known as what?
A: Countershading.
What do halibut feed on?
A: Almost any fish or animal they can fit into
their mouths.
Juvenile halibut feed on what?
A: Small crustaceans and other bottom-dwelling
organisms.
Halibut live at what depth?
A: A depth ranging from a few meters to
hundreds.
Where do they spend most of their time?
A: Near the bottom.
Where is the halibut in the marine food chain?
A: Near the top.
In the North Pacific, what are their common
predators?
A: The sea lion, the killer whale, and the
salmon shark.
The North Pacific commercial halibut fishery
dates back to when?
A: The late 19th century.
In Canadian and US waters, what kind of fishing
predominates?
A: Long-line fishing.
Using chunks of octopus or other bait on circle
hooks attached at regular intervals to a
weighted line that can extend for how long
across the bottom?
A: several miles.
The fishing vessel retrieves the line after how
long?
A: Several hours to a day.
In 1995, US regulators allocated individual
fishing quotas (IFQs) to existing fishery
participants based on what?
A: Each vessel's documented historical catch.
How long is the fishing season?
A: Nine months.
The IFQ system improved both safety and product
quality by providing a what?
A: Stable flow of fresh halibut to the
marketplace.