Fin's Fish Guide
The Amazon sole (Hypoclinemus mentalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Achiridae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The Amazon sole is a flatfish (sole) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. The species grows to about 22 cm and has an oval, strongly flattened, brown-mottled body with both eyes on the same side, an adaptation rare among freshwater fishes. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried in sand and mud bottoms of rivers and hunts small worms, crustaceans and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans and has limited commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amazon sole?
The Amazon sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Freshwater flatfish with eyes on one side; burrowing river sole
Where does the Amazon sole live?
The Amazon sole lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Amazon and Orinoco basins
How big does the Amazon sole get?
The Amazon sole grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Amazon sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Amazon sole is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Amazon sole edible?
The Amazon sole is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Amazon sole?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Achiridae
Want the complete picture on the Amazon sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amazon sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.