How to Identify Lemon Sole

To identify Lemon Sole (Microstomus kitt), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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).

2. 2

   Mouth

   Observe the mouth size; it is notably small and upturned, distinguishing it from larger-mouthed flatfish like Turbot or Brill.

3. 3

   Lateral Line

   Note the distinct, sharp curve in the lateral line above the pectoral fin on the eyed side.

4. 4

   Coloration

   The reddish-brown to yellowish-brown mottled coloration with often yellowish fin margins is characteristic.

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