Soles are bottom-dwelling flatfishes with compressed, asymmetrical bodies and both eyes located on the same side of the head. They undergo a fascinating transformation during development, where one eye migrates to join the other on one side, typically the right.
These fish are found in temperate and tropical oceans around the world, including about 13 known species in southern African waters.
Soles are:
- Right-eyed flatfishes – In most species, both eyes are on the right side of the body, a characteristic of the Soleidae family (true soles).
- Sluggish, bottom-dwelling fish – They live on or just beneath the seafloor, moving slowly and often remaining still to avoid detection.
- Masters of camouflage – Sandy-coloured and able to blend in perfectly with the ocean floor, they also burrow into the sediment for added concealment.
- Popular table fish – Soles are widely regarded as delicious and are a sought-after seafood species. However, South African seafood eaters should think twice about ordering sole.
- Named after their shape – The name "sole" comes from the Latin word solea, meaning "sandal" or "sole of the foot," reflecting their shape.
The East coast sole (Austroglossus pectoralis) is currently listed as Orange by the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI), which means "Think Twice" before consuming, due to concerns about the sustainability of current fishing practices.
