Name: Common sole, common European sole
Scientific Name: Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758)
Family: Soleidae
Group: Bony fish
Class: Fish
Size: 51-100 cm.
Shortly after they hatch, the larvae of the common sole undergo successive transformations. The left eye migrates to the right side of the body, while the body itself experiences a pronounced lateral compression. This allows them to live half-buried in the sand or slime, with their eyes facing outward. In this way they can see and not be seen! They remain immobile but are able to detect prey through extremely sensitive receptors on their skin. Thus, when prey approach, they launch a rapid and effective attack, without having to pursue them.
Photo by:
J. C. Schou (www.biopix.com)
Oceanário Location
Flat-fish
