What level of mercury is found in flounder?

Answer 1

In New York State we have winter flounder and summer flounder (aka fluke). The diet of the fish vary as do the sizes. Fluke are more predatory, have larger mouths with bigger teeth. I would suspect that the summer flounder ( fluke ) would have the higher mercury levels in the flesh due to their larger size and varied food sources, they even eat their own, which I can personally attest to. They also eat baby bluefish (snappers) as well as spearing, killies, sand eels, clams and squid. Frankly I think they will eat almost anything they can get their teeth into. Summer flounder eat small mussels and worms, mostly. I have never seen any published levels of mercury in either fish, but would be real interested in seeing some testing results. These fish are not big migratory and pretty much stay in local waters. It would be interesting to see Eastern seaboard levels , State by State. As a long time sports fisherman and a amateur scientist I believe fluke would have the highest level of mercury General rule with fish and contaminants "The higher the predatory species of fish the higher the contaminant level". This is sad but true.

Answer 2

Mercury levels in flounder can vary, but in general, they are considered a low-mercury fish. Flounder are typically safe to eat in moderation, but it is recommended to check local advisories and guidelines to ensure that the mercury levels are within safe limits.