How to Identify Common sole

To identify Common sole (Solea solea), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

The eyed side (dorsal) is typically greyish-brown to reddish-brown, often mottled or spotted to blend with the seabed. The blind side (ventral) is white or cream-colored.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Oval, elongated body shape, highly compressed laterally., Both eyes are on the right side of the head., Small, downward-pointing mouth., A prominent, fringed nostril on the blind side., Lateral line is straight along the body, with a distinct curve above the pectoral fin.

Dorsal fin

Long, extending from the head to the caudal fin, with 73-86 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rounded, distinct from dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Small, present on both sides, but the one on the eyed side is larger and more developed.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is also long, extending from the vent to the caudal fin, with 59-70 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small and located anteriorly.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Eye placement

   Both eyes are on the right side of the head. This distinguishes it from left-eyed flatfish (e.g., turbot, brill).

2. 2

   Body shape

   Distinctly oval and elongated, not as round as some other flatfish.

3. 3

   Nostril

   A prominent, fringed nostril on the blind side of the head is a key identifier for the Soleidae family.

4. 4

   Pectoral fin

   The pectoral fin on the eyed side is larger and more developed than on the blind side.

5. 5

   Lateral line

   The lateral line is straight along the body, with a noticeable curve above the pectoral fin.

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