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Longfin sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus) — Pleuronectidae

Longfin sole

Glyptocephalus zachirus
LC · Least Concern

The Longfin sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–900.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The rex sole is a righteye flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae from the eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America. The species has an elongate, oval, strongly flattened body with both eyes on the right side and a long pectoral fin on the eyed side. It is a slow-growing species living on sand and mud bottoms, where it buries itself. On the bottom it feeds on small invertebrates such as worms and crustaceans. It is often processed as bycatch. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longfin sole?

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

Where does the Longfin sole live?

The Longfin sole lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Longfin sole get?

The Longfin sole grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 36 cm.

Is the Longfin sole dangerous to humans?

No, the Longfin sole is harmless to humans.

Is the Longfin sole edible?

The Longfin sole is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rex-tong sourced
English name
Longfin sole verified
Scientific name
Glyptocephalus zachirus
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
Long-finned sole; Rex sole verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Average length (cm)
36.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
900.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
27.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Glyptocephalus

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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