Fin's Fish Guide
The Adriatic sole (Pegusa impar) is a saltwater fish of the family Soleidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The Adriatic sole is a tongue-shaped flatfish of the family Soleidae reaching about 35 cm. Like the common sole it lies on its side with both eyes on the right side, which is brownish with dark spots; the rounded snout and the continuous fin fringe around the body are typical of the soles, and the pectoral fin often bears a conspicuous black blotch. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, from shallow to moderate depths, where it buries itself in the bottom by day. At night it searches the bottom for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. With its fine flesh it is locally a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Adriatic sole?
The Adriatic sole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Tongue-shaped, right-eyed flatfish with a rounded snout and a continuous fin fringe; brown with small dark blotches and a striking black pectoral fin blotch.
Where does the Adriatic sole live?
The Adriatic sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Adriatic sole get?
The Adriatic sole grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Adriatic sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Adriatic sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Adriatic sole edible?
Yes, the Adriatic sole is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Adriatic sole and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pegusa
More from the family Soleidae
Want the complete picture on the Adriatic sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Adriatic sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.