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C-O sole (Pleuronichthys coenosus) — Pleuronectidae

C-O sole

Pleuronichthys coenosus
LC · Least Concern

The C-O sole (Pleuronichthys coenosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
18.0–350.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northeast Pacific; flat and rocky bottoms of coastal waters.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The C-O sole is a righteye flounder (Pleuronectidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species is a right-eyed flatfish with an oval, strongly flattened body and bears on its tail fin a conspicuous pattern resembling the letters 'C' and 'O', to which the name refers. It lives bottom-bound on flat and rocky bottoms of coastal waters. On the bottom it feeds on small invertebrates such as polychaete worms and molluscs. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the C-O sole?

The C-O sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Pattern on the caudal fin resembling the letters 'C' and 'O'; right-eyed coastal flounder.

Where does the C-O sole live?

The C-O sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; flat and rocky bottoms of coastal waters.

How big does the C-O sole get?

The C-O sole grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.

Is the C-O sole dangerous to humans?

No, the C-O sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the C-O sole edible?

The C-O sole is rarely eaten.

More photos

C-O sole (Pleuronichthys coenosus) — Pleuronectidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Alison Young, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
C-O sole (Pleuronichthys coenosus) — Pleuronectidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) jnnnnn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
C-O sole (Pleuronichthys coenosus) — Pleuronectidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Donald Davesne (CC BY 4.0)
C-O sole (Pleuronichthys coenosus) — Pleuronectidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) CallieSanDiego, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
C-O sole verified
Scientific name
Pleuronichthys coenosus
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
C-O sole; C-O turbot; Popeye verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
36.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
18.0 verified
Max depth (m)
350.0 verified
Natural range
Northeast Pacific; flat and rocky bottoms of coastal waters. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates such as polychaetes and molluscs sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Pattern on the caudal fin resembling the letters 'C' and 'O'; right-eyed coastal flounder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pleuronichthys

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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