Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Plaise

PLAISE, or Pleuronectes platessa, L. a well-known fish, caught in numbers on the British and Dutch coasts; sometimes weighing 15lbs.; though, in general, not exceeding eight or nine pounds.—The best and largest of these fish are taken off Rye, on the coast of Sussex.

Plaise differ from flounders, by their flat size; and having behind the left eye, a row of six tubercles. The upper part of the body and fins are of a clear brown, marked with large bright orange-coloured spots; and the belly is white. They cast their spawn in the beginning of February.

The flesh of plaise, while fresh, is equally tender, wholesome, and as easily digested as that of flounders; but, if the former be kept for several days, it is supposed to become purgative, and is consequently detrimental to health.