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Pacific rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata) — Pleuronectidae

Pacific rock sole

Lepidopsetta bilineata
LC · Least Concern

The Pacific rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 58 cm.

Length
58 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–575.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North Pacific; sandy and gravel bottoms of the continental shelf.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The rock sole is a flatfish of the righteye flounder family (Pleuronectidae) from the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 58 cm and has an oval, flattened body with both eyes on the right side and a brown mottled eyed side that camouflages it on the bottom. Adults live on sand and gravel bottoms to at least 339 metres; the larvae stay in shallower water. As a bottom hunter it feeds on polychaete worms, small crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. The rock sole is an important commercial flatfish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacific rock sole?

The Pacific rock sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Both eyes on the right side and a marbled eyed side as camouflage; important commercial flatfish.

Where does the Pacific rock sole live?

The Pacific rock sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific; sandy and gravel bottoms of the continental shelf.

How big does the Pacific rock sole get?

The Pacific rock sole grows to a maximum of about 58 cm.

Is the Pacific rock sole dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacific rock sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Pacific rock sole edible?

Yes, the Pacific rock sole is commonly eaten.

More photos

Pacific rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata) — Pleuronectidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel Hershman, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pacific rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata) — Pleuronectidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) rovscience, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Pacific rock sole verified
Scientific name
Lepidopsetta bilineata
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
Rock sole; Southern rock sole verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
58.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
575.0 verified
Natural range
North Pacific; sandy and gravel bottoms of the continental shelf. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Polychaetes, small crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
26.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Both eyes on the right side and a marbled eyed side as camouflage; important commercial flatfish. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lepidopsetta

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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