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ANIMAL SPECIES:Peppered Sole, Aseraggodes sp

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The Peppered Sole lacks pectoral fins and has papillae in front of the mouth. The species occurs in coastal waters of New South Wales.

Identification

The Peppered Sole can be recognised by its very flat body (typical of the Family Soleidae) and elevated eyes on the right side of the body. It lacks pectoral fins and has papillae in front of the mouth. It is usually sandy coloured, speckled with light and dark spots.

Size range

It grows to about 10 cm in length.

Distribution

The species occurs in coastal waters of New South Wales.

Habitat

The Peppered Sole lives on sandy and silty bottoms in coastal bays, to depths of about 15 m.

Behaviour and adaptations

Life cycle

Like all flatfishes, the Peppered Sole passes through a planktonic stage, during which, the eyes are positioned on either side of the head. As the fish develops, one eye moves across the head, so both eyes end up on the same side. Some flatfishes, such as the Peppered Sole, have eyes that end up on the right side of the head. Another family of flatfishes, the Bothidae, contains the Left-eyed Flounders, in which the fishes have their eyes on the left side of the head.

Classification

Genus:
Aseraggodes
Family:
Soleidae
Order:
Pleuronectiformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 5 January 2012

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Peppered Sole, Aseraggodes sp.

Peppered Sole, Aseraggodes sp. View full size
Erik Schlögl © Erik Schlögl

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