Fin's Fish Guide
The Fringed sole (Gymnachirus texae) is a saltwater fish of the family Achiridae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The Gulf of Mexico fringed sole is a small flatfish of the family Achiridae (American soles) from the Gulf of Mexico. The species has an oval, scaleless body with both eyes on the right side and a pattern of narrow dark cross-bands, and reaches about 14 cm. It lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and feeds on small bottom invertebrates. The striped pattern provides camouflage. The species is of modest commercial importance and is regularly eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fringed sole?
The Fringed sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Skew-eyed flatfish with narrow dark vertical bars; lies buried on sandy bottoms.
Where does the Fringed sole live?
The Fringed sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Gulf of Mexico and adjacent western Atlantic.
How big does the Fringed sole get?
The Fringed sole grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Fringed sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Fringed sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fringed sole edible?
Yes, the Fringed sole is commonly 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
Want the complete picture on the Fringed sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fringed sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.