Austroglossus microlepis (Bleeker, 1863)
West coast sole
photo by SFSA

Family:  Soleidae (Soles)
Max. size:  75 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 4,000.0 g
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 100 - 400 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: northern Namibia to False Bay, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 82-100; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 65-78; Vertebrae: 55-57. Dorsal and anal fins continuous with caudal fin (Ref. 36731). Right pectoral fin more than half of, but shorter than head length; left pectoral fin present (Ref. 36731). Brownish with small dark specks; sometimes with bars on body (Ref. 3200).
Biology:  Larvae are pelagic (Ref. 27121, Ref. 36731), while adults live close to the sea bed (Ref. 36731). Adults feed on worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish (Ref. 27121, Ref. 36731). Utilized as a food fish (Ref. 4931).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 25 June 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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