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Blackspotted sole (Aseraggodes melanostictus) — Soleidae

Blackspotted sole

Aseraggodes melanostictus
Family: Soleidae

The Blackspotted sole (Aseraggodes melanostictus) is a saltwater fish of the family Soleidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1–73 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Christmas I., French Polynesia, Guam, Indonesia, New Caledonia and others

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Description

The Blackspotted sole is a small sole (Soleidae) from shallow coastal and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a flattened, oval body with both eyes on the right side; the upper side is brown speckled, the underside white. As a bottom-dweller it lies buried on sand and mud bottoms and snaps at small worms and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackspotted sole?

The Blackspotted sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Blackspotted sole live?

The Blackspotted sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Christmas I., French Polynesia, Guam, Indonesia, New Caledonia and others

How big does the Blackspotted sole get?

The Blackspotted sole grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Blackspotted sole dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackspotted 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.

More photos

Blackspotted sole (Aseraggodes melanostictus) — Soleidae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Blackspotted sole (Aseraggodes melanostictus) — Soleidae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Blackspotted sole (Aseraggodes melanostictus) — Soleidae — 4
Queensland Museum (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF
Blackspotted sole (Aseraggodes melanostictus) — Soleidae — 5
Richard Winterbottom (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackspotted sole sourced
Scientific name
Aseraggodes melanostictus
Family
Soleidae
Other names
Dappled sole; Dark-spotted sole; Dotted sole; Mottled sole; Black spotted sole verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1 verified
Max depth (m)
73 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Christmas I., French Polynesia, Guam, Indonesia, New Caledonia and others sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

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

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 Aseraggodes

More from the family Soleidae

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