Sole fish

Sole fish are flatfishes, especially members of the family Soleidae, although the name is also used more broadly for some similar flatfish in other families.

Sole fish are flatfishes, especially members of the family Soleidae, although the name is also used more broadly for some similar flatfish in other families. They are bottom-dwelling marine fish, many of which are commercially important food species. The common or Dover sole (Solea solea) is one of the best-known examples.

Classification and naming

The term "sole" is used for several kinds of flatfish, but most strictly refers to species in the family Soleidae. Outside Europe, the name is sometimes applied more loosely to other similar flatfish, including some flounders.

Physical characteristics

Soles are flattened fishes with both eyes on one side of the head, an adaptation to living on the seafloor. They are often oval or elongated in shape and are typically colored to blend with sandy or muddy bottoms.

Habitat and diet

Soles live in marine and brackish waters, and some related species occur in freshwater. They are bottom-dwelling fish that commonly feed on worms, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates.

Human use

Several sole species are valuable commercial food fish. The common sole is especially well known in northern Europe and the Mediterranean, where it is harvested and eaten widely.