Animal Species:Smallhead Sole, Soleichthys microcephalus (Günther, 1862)
The Smallhead Sole is known only from harbours and estuaries of New South Wales, it is grey-green to brown with dark bands, and has a blue and black margin to the fins. The juvenile colour pattern mimics a species of flatworm.
A Smallhead Sole at Camp Cove
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Alternative Name/s
Small-head Sole, Small-headed Sole
Identification
The Smallhead Sole can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. It is grey-green to brown with dark bands, and has a blue and black margin to the fins. It has papillae on the snout, raised eyes, and nostrils on the tip of a long tube.
Juvenile Smallhead Sole differ in colour from the adults. They are white with a black and orange margin. This colour pattern mimics a species of flatworm.
Size range
The species grows to 22 cm in length.
Distribution
The Smallhead Sole is only known from harbours and estuaries of New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Ozcam map of Smallhead Sole specimens in the Australian Museum.
Habitat
The species occurs in depths from 3 m to 20 m.
Classification
- Species:
- microcephalus
- Genus:
- Soleichthys
- Family:
- Soleidae
- Order:
- Pleuronectiformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437. (as Aesopia microcephala)
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433. (as Aesopia microcephala)
Mark McGrouther
, Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:
Tags fish, ichthyology, Soleichthys microcephalus, sandy bottom, Smallhead Sole, Soleidae, grey green, brown, blue, black, flatfish, 10 cm - 30 cm, stripes or bands, white, orange, harbours, estuaries, nostrils, raised eyes,
