Halibut are somewhat of a chameleon, as the dark side of their body will take on the colors of the bottom they frequent, giving them perfect halibut camouflage to surprise their prey. An olive green, brown, and tan spotted pattern most likely means a gravely bottom, while a dark brown shaded fish is probably hanging out in the mud. This variation is the key to understanding halibut color depending on habitat.

The white underside of a halibut helps hide young fish from predators looking upwards. If you fish for halibut long enough, you’re bound to encounter one with red markings on the white side. These marks might look like red dots or scuff marks resembling a rash, but they are actually a key clue: this halibut marking means the fish has been on the move and is actively migrating.