Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic sole (Pegusa lascaris) is a brackish-water fish of the family Soleidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The sand sole is a right-eyed sole of the family Soleidae reaching about 40 cm. The eyed side is brownish-yellow to reddish-brown with faint pale blotches, and the pectoral fin bears a black spot with a white margin. A distinctive feature is the anterior nostril on the blind side, enlarged into a conspicuous rosette-shaped structure. The sand sole lives on sand, gravel and mud bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, usually between 20 and 50 m. It feeds on small shellfish, crustaceans and worms. The sand sole is a highly prized food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic sole?
The Atlantic sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Right-eyed sole with a striking rosette-shaped anterior nostril on the blind side and a black blotch with a white margin on the pectoral fin.
Where does the Atlantic sole live?
The Atlantic sole lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
How big does the Atlantic sole get?
The Atlantic sole grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Atlantic sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic sole edible?
Yes, the Atlantic sole is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Atlantic 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 Atlantic sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.