The dover sole

dover sole

Scientific name	Solea solea
Descriptor	Linnaeus
Year of description	1758
IUCN category (World)	DD
Family	Soleidae
Genus	Solea

Introduction

Solea solea, commonly known as dover sole, is a salt water fish.

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Who is it?

Morphology

Average size

30 cm
Maximum size

70 cm
Longevity

26 year
Shape

Ovoid
Mimicry

sand
Pattern

mottling

Average size

30 cm
Maximum size

70 cm
Longevity

26 year
Shape

Ovoid
Mimicry

sand
Pattern

mottling

How to recognize the dover sole ?

Flat fish

The dover sole measures between 30 and 70 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron and beige body. The also has beige mottling.

Behaviour & Life cycle

diet

carnivorous
Sociability

solitary
territorial

No
Way of living

nocturnal

The dover sole is a fish solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.

Although the dover sole is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Origin

Mediterranean Sea Temperate Eastern Atlantic Ocean

islands

Corsica Canary Islands Sardinia Sicily

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : DD

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

Depth

0 - 150 m

Biotope presentation

The dover sole is most often found at a depth between 0m and 150m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Silvia Gomez

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.