Fin's Fish Guide
The Common sole (Solea solea) is a brackish-water fish of the family Soleidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The common sole is a tongue-shaped flatfish of the family Soleidae reaching about 70 cm. Like other flatfish it lies on its side on the bottom; in the sole both eyes are on the right side, which is brownish and spotted, while the underside is white. The rounded snout, the small skewed mouth and the continuous fin fringe around the whole body are characteristic. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to about 150 metres. By day it lies buried; at night it probes with its sensitive underside of the head for worms, shellfish and crustaceans. The sole is one of the most prized food fish and commercially very important.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common sole?
The Common sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Tongue-shaped flatfish with both eyes on the right side; a rounded snout, small skewed mouth and a continuous fin fringe around the body.
Where does the Common sole live?
The Common sole lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Common sole get?
The Common sole grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Common sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Common sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common sole edible?
Yes, the Common sole is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common 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 Solea
More from the family Soleidae
Want the complete picture on the Common sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.