SOLE

any of a variety of flatfishes, but, more strictly, those of the family Soleidae (order Pleuronectiformes). Soles in this restricted sense constitute more than 30 genera and 100 species of flatfishes found in temperate and tropical seas. Those occurring from Europe to Australia and Japan are marine, whereas a number of the American species live in fresh water. Like numerous other flatfishes, soles are flattened, more or less elongated fishes, with both small eyes on the right side of the head. The well-known Dover sole (Solea solea) of Europe is a commercially valuable food fish. The Dover sole reaches a length of about 50 cm (20 inches) and is brown in colour, with darker blotches and a black spot on each pectoral fin. It is found from estuaries to offshore waters in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. A common North American variety of sole is the hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus). This species is found in shallow coastal waters of the Atlantic from New England to Central America. Specimens are commonly found far inland in freshwater habitats associated with large rivers. Hogchokers are rounded in shape and seldom reach lengths above 25 cm.