Fin's Fish Guide
The Flabby sole (Gymnachirus nudus) is a saltwater fish of the family Achiridae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The naked sole is a small flatfish of the American sole family (Achiridae) from the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an oval, strongly flattened body with both eyes on the right side and a nearly scaleless skin, to which its name refers; the eyed side bears narrow dark crossbars. It lives on soft sand and mud bottoms, where it hides half-buried. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small benthic invertebrates. Owing to its small size the species is of little fishery interest and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flabby sole?
The Flabby sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Almost scaleless skin with narrow dark vertical bars; both eyes on the right side.
Where does the Flabby sole live?
The Flabby sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; soft sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Flabby sole get?
The Flabby sole grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Flabby sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Flabby sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Flabby sole edible?
The Flabby sole is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gymnachirus
More from the family Achiridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flabby sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.