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Common Sole

Sicuro

Solea solea

Conosciuto anche come: Dover Sole, Black Sole, True Sole

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Descrizione

Solea solea, commonly known as the Common Sole or Dover Sole, is a highly prized flatfish belonging to the family Soleidae. It is characterized by its oval, flattened body, with both eyes located on the right side of its head in adulthood. This demersal species is well-camouflaged, adapting its coloration to blend with the seabed. It is renowned for its delicate flavor and firm texture, making it a significant commercial fish.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
flat
Colorazione
Dorsal side varies from greyish-brown to reddish-brown, often mottled or spotted, allowing for excellent camouflage against the seabed. The ventral side is white. Coloration can change rapidly to match the substrate.
Tipo di squame
ctenoid
Posizione della bocca
inferior
Caratteristiche distintive
Oval, highly compressed body, Both eyes on the right side of the head (dextral), Small, downturned mouth, Prominent, fringed nostril on the blind side, Lateral line present on both sides, but more distinct on the eyed side
Pinna dorsale
Long, extending from the head to the caudal fin, with 73-86 soft rays. Not connected to the caudal fin.
Pinna caudale
Rounded or slightly pointed, distinct from dorsal and anal fins.
Pinna pettorale
Small, present on both sides, but often reduced on the blind side. The pectoral fin on the eyed side has a distinct black spot at its tip.
Pinne distintive
Anal fin is also long, extending from behind the pectoral fin to the caudal fin, with 61-74 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small and located anterior to the pectoral fins.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Eye Placement

Both eyes are located on the right side of the head. This is a key characteristic of the family Soleidae.

Pectoral Fin Spot

A distinctive black spot at the tip of the pectoral fin on the eyed side is a reliable identifier for Solea solea.

Body Shape

Its elongated oval shape, rather than a more rounded or diamond shape, helps distinguish it from other flatfish.

Mouth

The small, downturned mouth is adapted for feeding on benthic invertebrates.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
saltwater
Profondità
Typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 150 meters, though occasionally shallower or deeper.
Ambiente
Demersal, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms of coastal waters, estuaries, and continental shelves. Prefers soft substrates for burrowing.
Areale geografico
Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from southern Norway and the British Isles south to Senegal, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: expert
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Dieta: carnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 500 gallons (for adult specimens)
  • Temperatura: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
  • Livello di pH: 7.8-8.4
  • Durezza: 1.020-1.025 SG
  • Compatibilità: Best kept in a species-specific tank or with other peaceful, demersal species that will not outcompete it for food. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a large, mature marine aquarium with a soft sand substrate for burrowing. Excellent filtration and stable water parameters are crucial. Live food, such as small crustaceans and worms, is essential for its diet. Not typically recommended for home aquaria due to size and specialized needs.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: near threatened
  • Stagionalità: Available year-round, but peak fishing seasons can vary regionally. Spawning typically occurs in spring (February-May), during which fishing pressure may be reduced in some areas.
  • Prezzo di mercato: High, often considered a premium fish.
  • Importanza commerciale: high
  • Sapore: Mild, delicate, and slightly sweet.
  • Consistenza: Firm, flaky, and white.
  • Metodi di cottura: Pan-frying, Grilling, Baking, Poaching, Meunière
  • Valore nutrizionale: Excellent source of lean protein, low in fat, and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.

Fatti chiave

Master of Camouflagebehavior

Solea solea can rapidly change its skin coloration and pattern to perfectly match the surrounding seabed, making it incredibly difficult for predators to spot.

Dextral Flatfishevolution

Unlike many other flatfish species, the Common Sole is 'dextral,' meaning both of its eyes migrate to the right side of its head during larval development.

Benthic Hunterbehavior

It primarily feeds on small benthic invertebrates such as polychaete worms, small crustaceans, and mollusks, which it locates using its keen sense of smell and touch.

Longevityrecord

Common Sole can live for up to 20 years in the wild, though average lifespan is typically shorter due to fishing pressure.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: edible
  • Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices. Its body is smooth and lacks sharp spines that could cause injury.

Specie simili

Lemon Sole

Microstomus kitt

Lemon Sole has a more rounded body shape, smaller mouth, and lacks the distinct black spot on the pectoral fin. Its coloration is typically yellowish-brown with reddish-brown blotches.

Thickback Sole

Microchirus variegatus

Thickback Sole is generally smaller, has distinct dark bands across its body, and a more pointed snout. It also lacks the prominent black pectoral fin spot of Solea solea.

Sand Sole

Pegusa lascaris

Sand Sole has a more pointed snout and a prominent, elongated nostril on the blind side that extends beyond the mouth. The pectoral fin spot is less distinct or absent.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Pleuronectiformes
Famiglia
Soleidae
Genere
Solea
Specie
Solea solea

Esplora Common Sole

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