Fin's Fish Guide
The Portuguese sole (Dagetichthys lusitanicus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Soleidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Portugal southwards along West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The Portuguese sole is an oval sole of the family Soleidae (true soles) reaching about 40 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 irregular dark blotches, good camouflage on the bottom. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and estuaries from Portugal southward along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. With its fine flesh it is a valued commercial fish, related to the well-known common sole.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Portuguese sole?
The Portuguese sole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Oval, right-eyed sole with a rounded snout; the brown upper side bears irregular dark blotches.
Where does the Portuguese sole live?
The Portuguese sole lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Portugal southwards along West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Portuguese sole get?
The Portuguese sole grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Portuguese sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Portuguese sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Portuguese sole edible?
Yes, the Portuguese sole is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Portuguese sole and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Soleidae
Want the complete picture on the Portuguese sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Portuguese sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.