Monochirus hispidus Rafinesque, 1814
Whiskered sole
Monochirus hispidus
photo by Guerrieri, S.

Family:  Soleidae (Soles)
Max. size:  22 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 10 - 100 m
Distribution:  Mediterranean Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0. Upper eye less than its own diameter from dorsal profile of head. Anterior nostril on blind side not enlarged. Dorsal fin beginning before eyes, with 50-58 fin rays. Pectoral fin on eyed side with 5-6 unbranched fin rays., absent on blind side. Anal fin rays 40-45. Caudal fin separate from last dorsal and anal fin rays. Eyed side greyish or reddish brown.
Biology:  Demersal, neritic over soft bottoms; usually between 10 and 100 m depth. Feeds on benthic organisms, A bycatch species, caught occasionally to rarely with trawls (Ref. 120290).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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