Fin's Fish Guide
The Solenette (Buglossidium luteum) is a saltwater fish of the family Soleidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The solenette is a very small, sole-like flatfish of the family Soleidae reaching about 13 cm, and usually even smaller in our waters. Like the true sole it lies on its side with both eyes on the right side, which is yellow-brown and spotted; the rounded snout and the continuous fin fringe around the body are characteristic. A handy identification feature is the regularly spaced dark fin rays, which stand out as short dashes on the fin fringe. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean. On the bottom it eats small worms, crustaceans and molluscs. Because of its small size it has no culinary or commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Solenette?
The Solenette has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Very small, right-eyed sole-like flatfish with regularly recurring dark fin rays, which stand out as dark dashes on the fin margin.
Where does the Solenette live?
The Solenette lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Solenette get?
The Solenette grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Solenette dangerous to humans?
No, the Solenette is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Solenette edible?
The Solenette is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Solenette 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 Solenette?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Solenette is one of 12,519 species in the app.