The plaice is one of the commonest flatfish encountered by divers, snorkellers or people paddling on sandy beaches. It is diamond-shaped in outline and both eyes are on the right hand side of the body. The upper surface is pale greyish-brown in colour with conspicuous bright orange spots and the underside is white. It can change colour to match that of the surrounding seabed but the orange spots are always distinct. Adult fish are usually between 50-60cm in length. The plaice could be confused with other flatfish species e.g. the flounder and dab but can be distinguished by the bright orange spots on the upper surface.