Peppered Sole, Aseraggodes sp.
Click to enlarge image
© Erik Schlögl
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Aseraggodes
- Family
- Soleidae
- Order
- Pleuronectiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- It grows to about 10 cm in length.
Introduction
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.
Habitat
The Peppered Sole lives on sandy and silty bottoms in coastal bays, to depths of about 15 m.
Distribution
The species occurs in coastal waters 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.
Life history 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.
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
