Fin's Fish Guide
The Lemon sole (Microstomus kitt) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 65 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, on stone, gravel and sandy bottoms.
Description
The lemon sole is a right-eyed flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae reaching about 65 cm but usually smaller. Like other flatfish it lies on its side; in the lemon sole both eyes are on the right side, which stands out with a small head, smooth skin and a beautiful marbled pattern of brown, orange and yellow. Despite its name it is not a true sole but a dab relative. The species lives on stone, gravel and sand bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea, from shallow water to two hundred metres. On the bottom it eats mainly bristle worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. The lemon sole has fine, prized flesh and is an important commercial flatfish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lemon sole?
The Lemon sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Right-eyed flatfish with a small head, smooth skin and a beautiful marbled pattern of brown, orange and yellow; a 'lemon sole', not a true sole.
Where does the Lemon sole live?
The Lemon sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, on stone, gravel and sandy bottoms.
How big does the Lemon sole get?
The Lemon sole grows to a maximum of about 65 cm.
Is the Lemon sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Lemon sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lemon sole edible?
Yes, the Lemon sole is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Lemon 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 Microstomus
More from the family Pleuronectidae
Want the complete picture on the Lemon sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lemon sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.