Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
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Order : Pleuronectiformes
Family
: SOLEIDAE
Species : As of 2024, 184 species in 32 genera
Maximum Length : As an example, Solea solea
(Common Sole or Dover Sole) reaches 70 cm.
Species in the family Soleidae
comprise a group of flat fishes referred to as true soles. In Southeast
Asia waters they occur in marine and brackish habitats, although
freshwater species do occur in other parts of the world including
southern Asia (India etc.) and Australia.
Of the current 32 genera (as of 2024), the three with the most species are those of
Aseraggodes,
Brachirus, and
Zebrias. Featured here is an example, Commerson's
Sole, from the genus Synaptura; this genus comprises 5 species, of which 3 are known to occur in
Southeast Asia.
The eggs of true soles are pelagic (i.e. free-floating) and are not adhered to any
substrate. They hatch from the egg as typical symmetrical fish larvae, with one eye
on each side of the head. As the larvae grow the left eye migrates to
the right side of the head to lay close to the right eye. Adult soles lie sideways on the substrate, resting on the
blind, left side
of their body.
Some species are unpatterned on their upperside, often plain brown,
which helps to camouflage them when at rest. Others are patterned with
spots or other markings. Whilst at rest they are often covered in mud,
silt or sand, and are easily overlooked.
These benthic (bottom-dwelling) fishes prey on small invertebrates,
crustaceans and other fishes.
Some species are edible, while others have glands which produce toxins
or poisons designed to repel predators.
The generic name of 'soles' is derived from the Latin solea,
which means 'sandals'.
Figs 1 and 2 :
Commerson's Sole (Synaptura commersonnii) photographed in shallow
water at low tide at Changi Beach,
Singapore. This marine/brackish species can grow to a length of 36 cm.
In this species the mouth opening, visible in Figure 1, extends to both
sides of the fish.
Fig 3 : Changi Beach, Singapore, looking towards the island of Pulau
Ubin.
Links and references :
Fishbase -
Soleidae
Wikipedia - True soles
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