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River sole (Trinectes fluviatilis) — Achiridae

River sole

Trinectes fluviatilis
Family: Achiridae

The River sole (Trinectes fluviatilis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Achiridae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru

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Description

The river sole is an American sole (Achiridae) from lower river reaches, estuaries and coastal water of Central and South America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a round to oval, flattened body with both eyes on the right side and a brown striped or mottled upper side for camouflage. As a bottom-bound fish it lies half-buried in sand and mud and searches for small worms, crustaceans and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the River sole?

The River sole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the River sole live?

The River sole lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru

How big does the River sole get?

The River sole grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the River sole dangerous to humans?

No, the River sole is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
River sole sourced
Scientific name
Trinectes fluviatilis
Family
Achiridae
Other names
Freshwater sole sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Flatfish sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Trinectes

More from the family Achiridae

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