Fin's Fish Guide
The Frechkop's sole (Microchirus frechkopi) is a saltwater fish of the family Soleidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
Frechkop's sole is a small sole of the family Soleidae (true soles) reaching about 20 cm. The elongate-oval body has a rounded snout and both eyes on the right side; the small mouth is inferior. The brown upper side bears regular dark cross-bands, good camouflage on the bottom. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf along the West African coast, often half-buried. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. Because of its small size it has little commercial value and is mostly landed as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Frechkop's sole?
The Frechkop's sole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, right-eyed sole with regular dark vertical bars across the brown upper side.
Where does the Frechkop's sole live?
The Frechkop's sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Frechkop's sole get?
The Frechkop's sole grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Frechkop's sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Frechkop's sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Frechkop's sole edible?
The Frechkop's sole is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Microchirus
More from the family Soleidae
Want the complete picture on the Frechkop's sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Frechkop's sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.