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Nature

Sole Fish

What is sole fish?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Common name sole[2]
Scientific name Solea solea[2]
Family Soleidae[3]
Order Pleuronectiformes[3]
Number of genera about 30[3]
Number of species about 130[3]

Sole fish is a name used for several kinds of flatfish, most strictly referring to the family Soleidae, with about 30 genera and 130 species. True soles are flattened fish with both small eyes on the right side of the head, and they live on the sea bottom, feeding on small crustaceans and other invertebrates. Outside Europe, the name is also applied to similar flatfish, including some flounders.

Context

Sole fish is a common name for several flatfish species. In the strict sense, it refers to the family Soleidae, which includes about 30 genera and 130 species [3]. True soles are bottom-dwelling fish with both eyes on the right side of the head, feeding on small crustaceans and invertebrates [3]. Outside Europe, the name is also applied to similar flatfish, including some flounders [1]. Sole is often confused with flounder, though they are distinct groups [1]. As a mild, delicate fish, sole is sometimes used in dishes like gefilte fish or served as a white fish option in restaurants.

Documented claims

  • Sole is used for several species and groups of flatfishes. [1]
  • In the restricted sense, soles are members of the family Soleidae. [3]
  • Outside Europe, the name sole is also applied to other similar flatfish, especially other members of the suborder Soleoidei and members of the flounder family. [1]
  • Soles are flattened fishes with both small eyes on the right side of the head. [3]
  • The true soles are bottom-dwelling fishes feeding on small crustaceans and other invertebrates. [3]

Related

Flying FishSole fish and flying fish are both types of fish, but they differ in habitat and behavior.Grouper FishSole fish and grouper are both edible fish commonly found in seafood markets.

Questions and answers

Is sole fish a good fish to eat?

Sole is a popular food fish, known for its mild flavour and delicate texture [1].

Is sole fish like haddock?

Sole and haddock are different fish; sole is a flatfish in the family Soleidae, while haddock is a roundfish [3].

Is sole fish like tilapia?

Sole and tilapia are not closely related; sole is a marine flatfish, while tilapia is a freshwater fish [3].

What does sole fish taste like?

Sole has a mild, slightly sweet flavour with a fine, flaky texture [1].

Sources

  1. Sole | Flatfish, Marine Species, Benthic Fish — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. What Is Sole Fish? | ehow.com — ehow.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Sole: the tastiest flatfish in the sea — mooijer.nl (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature