How to Identify Marbled sole

To identify Marbled sole (Pleuronectes yokohamae), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

The ocular (upper) side is typically dark brown to grayish-brown, heavily mottled and marbled with irregular darker blotches and lighter spots, providing excellent camouflage. The blind (underside) side is uniformly white or cream-colored. Some individuals may exhibit a yellowish tint on the fins.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Right-eyed flatfish (both eyes on the right side of the head), Distinctive marbled pattern on the ocular side, Small, ctenoid scales covering the body, Lateral line with a distinct arch over the pectoral fin

Dorsal fin

Long, extending from just behind the eyes to the caudal peduncle, with 65-80 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly truncate, distinct from dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, present on both sides, but larger on the ocular side.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is also long, with 50-60 soft rays, originating behind the anus and extending to the caudal peduncle. Pelvic fins are small and thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Eye placement

   Always check that both eyes are on the right side of the head. This distinguishes it from left-eyed flatfish.

2. 2

   Coloration and pattern

   Look for the characteristic dark brown to grayish-brown background with irregular, darker blotches and lighter spots, creating a 'marbled' appearance on the upper side.

3. 3

   Lateral line

   Observe the lateral line, which makes a distinct arch above the pectoral fin on the ocular side.

4. 4

   Fin ray counts

   For precise identification, count the dorsal fin rays (65-80) and anal fin rays (50-60). This requires careful examination.

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