Category: Fish
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Family: Pleuronectidae

Notes
The fish is oval in outline and takes on the colour of the sediment it is on, often pale biege with darker flecks. Can reach 130mm total length. Inhabits shallow waters, generally at depth of less than 50 m. Found to depths of 385 m. Juveniles gather in sheltered inshore waters, such as estuarine areas, shallow mudflats and sandflats, where they remain for up to two years. Feeds upon amphipods (sandhoppers), crabs and shrimps. Young sole are symmetrical and swim vertically. Gradually as the fish grows one eye moves so both are on the same side and the fish swims horizontally. Considered to be the tastiest of the flatfish!


References
Manikiam J. S., 1969. A Guide to the flatfishes (Order Heterosomata) of New Zealand. Tuatara vol 17 (3). p 118-129. Raupō Pocket dictionary of modern Maori