Plaice are found in large numbers in the North-East Atlantic, although in principle they occur along almost all European coastlines.
They are distinctive for their very flat body, with the eyes on top. Plaice are true masters of disguise. They are able to camouflage themselves by changing the colour of the pigmented top side of their body to match the surface beneath them. Because of this, their patterning cannot always be seen. When in danger, they dig themselves into the sand in the blink of an eye, by quickly flapping their fins.
Plaice are predominantly nocturnal. They feed on small crabs, thin-shelled mussels and snails and will wander far in search of food.