English sole

English sole (Parophrys vetulus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is found at depths of 0–550 m.

Scientific name: Parophrys vetulus · Water: Saltwater

Size: up to 49 cm

About

The English sole is a demersal pleuronectid whose adults inhabit sand and mud bottoms, with the young in intertidal areas; spawning adults make extensive migrations. It feeds on small crustaceans, marine worms, brittle stars and small mollusks, and it is recorded from the surface down to 550 m. Its range is the eastern Pacific, from Russia to Agattu Island and north to Nunivak Island in Alaska, then south to Mexico and Baja California. Maximum length is about 49 cm total length, commonly about 33 cm, and it can live 22 years, maturing at about 31 cm. It is a commercial species and a gamefish, with a high price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate at 43 of 100 and resilience low, and climate vulnerability is low to moderate at 27 of 100. IUCN lists it as least concern.

Ecology and habitat

Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Depth
0–550 m
Distribution status
Native
Trophic level
3.4
Maximum age
22 years

Fishery and market

Game fish
Yes
Market price
High
Resilience
Low

Methods

Sources

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