Fin's Fish Guide
The Mud sole (Vanstraelenia chirophthalma) is a brackish-water fish of the family Soleidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over muddy bottoms of estuaries, lagoons and coastal water; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The mud sole is a small sole of the family Soleidae (true soles) reaching about 28 cm and typical of turbid estuaries. The elongate-oval body has a rounded snout and both eyes on the right side; the small mouth is inferior. The brown, marbled upper side gives good camouflage on muddy bottoms. The species lives over muddy bottoms of estuaries, lagoons and coastal water along the West African coast and tolerates strongly varying salinities. 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 Mud sole?
The Mud sole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, right-eyed sole of turbid estuaries; brown marbled, well camouflaged on muddy bottoms.
Where does the Mud sole live?
The Mud sole lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over muddy bottoms of estuaries, lagoons and coastal water; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Mud sole get?
The Mud sole grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Mud sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Mud sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mud sole edible?
The Mud sole is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Mud sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mud sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Soleidae
Want the complete picture on the Mud sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mud sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.