Population genetics of the left-eyed flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, including natural and cultured stocks distributed in the coastal waters near Qingdao of eastern maritime China, was analyzed in allozyme and RAPD. The results showed that among total 29 gene loci of 15 isozymes, 9 and 7 were po- lymorphic in natural and cultured stocks, respectively. The status of genetic diversity in P. olivaceus is low in terms of polymorphic loci in chi-square test and genetic departure index of Hardy-Weinberg equi- librium. More alleles in IDHP, CAT, GDH and Ldh-C allozymes were found in the fish, which could be used as markers in assortive breeding and distinguishing stock, population or species evolution. Total 88 and 86 RAPD bands ranging from 200 to 2 500 bp were recognized individually in average of 7.8–8.0 bands per primer. The genetic diversity in cultured stock is lower than that in natural ones showing an ob- viously decreasing genetic divergence. Therefore, effective countermeasures must be taken to protect ge- netic resources of marine cultured fishes. The 2 markers have their own pros and cons. Combining the 2 markers to investigate the genetic variation of populations is suggested. The results provide basic data of this flounder and they are useful for studying genetic improvement and genetic resources of the fish. Population genetics of the left-eyed flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, including natural and cultured stocks distributed in the coastal waters near Qingdao of eastern maritime China, was analyzed in allozyme and RAPD. The results showed that that total 29 gene loci of 15 isozymes, 9 and 7 were po- lymorphic in natural and cultured stocks, respectively. The status of genetic diversity in P. olivaceus is low in terms of polymorphic loci in chi-square test and genetic departure index of Hardy-Weinberg equi- librium. More alleles in IDHP, CAT, GDH and Ldh-C allozymes were found in the fish, which could be used markers in assortive breeding and distinguishing stock, population or species evolution. Total 88 and 86 RAPD bands ranging from 200 to 2 500 bp individually recognized individually in average of 7.8-8.0 bands per primer. The genetic diversity in cultured stock is lower than that in natural ones showing an ob- viously decreasing genetic divergence. Therefore, effective countermeasures The 2 markers have their own pros pros and cons. Combining the 2 markers to investigate the genetic variation of populations is suggested. The results provide basic data of this flounder and they are useful for studying genetic improvement and genetic resources of the fish.