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Microstomus kitt, commonly known as the Lemon Sole, is a species of flatfish belonging to the family Pleuronectidae. It is a right-eyed flatfish, meaning both eyes are typically on the right side of its head in adulthood. Despite its common name, it is not a true sole (family Soleidae) but rather a flounder. It is highly valued as a food fish due to its delicate flavor and fine texture.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- flat
- Coloration
- The eyed side (dorsal) is typically reddish-brown to yellowish-brown, often mottled with darker spots and patches, providing excellent camouflage on sandy or muddy seabeds. The blind side (ventral) is white. The fins may have a yellowish or orange tinge, particularly the dorsal and anal fins.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- subterminal
- Distinctive features
- Small, smooth scales that are difficult to detect by touch, giving it a 'smooth' feel., Relatively small mouth with small, blunt teeth., Lateral line curves sharply above the pectoral fin., Eyes are typically on the right side of the head., The body is oval-shaped, broader than many other flatfish.
- Dorsal fin
- Long, extending from behind the eye almost to the caudal fin, with 85-105 soft rays.
- Tail fin
- Rounded or slightly truncate caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Small and rounded, with the pectoral fin on the eyed side being slightly larger.
- Distinctive fins
- Anal fin is also long, mirroring the dorsal fin, with 68-85 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small and located anteriorly.
Identification Tips
Scales
Run your hand from tail to head; the scales are very small and smooth, almost imperceptible, unlike the rougher feel of a Dab (Limanda limanda).
Mouth
Observe the mouth size; it is notably small and upturned, distinguishing it from larger-mouthed flatfish like Turbot or Brill.
Lateral Line
Note the distinct, sharp curve in the lateral line above the pectoral fin on the eyed side.
Coloration
The reddish-brown to yellowish-brown mottled coloration with often yellowish fin margins is characteristic.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths ranging from 20 to 200 meters (65 to 650 feet), though occasionally shallower or deeper.
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting sandy, muddy, or gravelly seabeds. Prefers relatively soft substrates where it can partially bury itself.
- Geographic range
- Northeastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Barents Sea and Iceland south to the Bay of Biscay. Common around the British Isles, North Sea, and along the Norwegian coast.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specialized needs.
- Temperature: 4-12°C (39-54°F)
- pH level: 7.8-8.4
- Hardness: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibility: Not typically kept in aquaria. If attempted in public aquariums, requires large, specialized cold-water marine setups with appropriate substrate and tank mates.
- Special requirements: Requires very large, cold-water marine aquariums with a soft sand or mud substrate for burrowing. Excellent filtration and water quality are paramount. Not recommended for private aquarists.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Available year-round, but often considered best during colder months when flesh is firmer.
- Market price: High, considered a premium whitefish.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Delicate, sweet, and mild flavor.
- Texture: Fine, firm, and flaky white flesh.
- Cooking methods: Pan-frying, Grilling, Baking, Steaming, Poaching
- Nutritional value: Low in fat, high in protein, and a good source of B vitamins and minerals like phosphorus and selenium.
Key Facts
Misnomerinteresting
Despite its common name, the Lemon Sole is not a true sole (family Soleidae) but belongs to the family Pleuronectidae, which includes flounders and plaice. The 'lemon' part of its name likely refers to its yellowish-brown coloration and perhaps its delicate flavor.
Right-Eyedbehavior
Like most members of the Pleuronectidae family, the Lemon Sole is a 'right-eyed' flatfish, meaning that during its larval development, the left eye migrates to the right side of the head.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
Lemon Soles are opportunistic carnivores, primarily feeding on small invertebrates found in the seabed, such as polychaete worms, small crustaceans, and mollusks. Their small mouth is adapted for picking up these small prey items.
Spawning Behaviorbehavior
Spawning typically occurs in late winter to early summer, with females releasing pelagic eggs that drift in the water column before hatching into larvae. The larvae are symmetrical before undergoing metamorphosis to their flattened adult form.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. Not venomous or dangerous.
Similar Species
Dab
Limanda limanda
Dabs have much rougher scales (ctenoid) that are easily felt, a more pronounced arch in the lateral line, and typically a more uniform brown coloration. Their mouth is also larger and more terminal.
Common Sole
Solea solea
Common Soles (true soles) have a much more elongated, oval body shape, a very small, subterminal mouth, and a distinctive dark spot on the upper pectoral fin. They are also left-eyed, whereas Lemon Sole is right-eyed.
Witch
Glyptocephalus cynoglossus
Witch (or Grey Sole) has a more elongated and slender body, a smaller head, and a more uniform greyish-brown coloration. Its scales are also very smooth, but its overall body shape is more attenuated.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Pleuronectiformes
- Family
- Pleuronectidae
- Genus
- Microstomus
- Species
- kitt
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