Appearance and lifestyle:
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 which is a characteristic of the Soleidae family (true soles). They are sandy-coloured and able to blend in perfectly with the ocean floor, they also burrow into the sediment for added concealment making them masters of camouflage. The name "sole" comes from the Latin word solea, meaning "sandal" or "sole of the foot," reflecting their shape.
Soles are widely regarded as delicious and are a sought-after seafood species. However, South African seafood eaters should think twice about ordering sole.
Habitat:
These fish are found in temperate and tropical oceans around the world, including about 13 known species in southern African waters. They live on or just beneath the seafloor, moving slowly and often remaining still to avoid detection.
Diet:
They feed on benthic invertebrates.
Threats:
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.