Soleichthys microcephalus (Günther, 1862) Smallhead sole |
photo by
Graham, K. |
Family: | Soleidae (Soles) | |||
Max. size: | 22 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 3 - 43 m | |||
Distribution: | Southwest Pacific: warm-temperate New South Wales, Australia. | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal soft rays (total): 71-84; Anal soft rays: 61-71; Vertebrae: 43-45. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: vertebrae 43-45; dorsal-fin rays 71-84; anal-fin rays 61-71; lateral-line scales 81-89; ocular-side pigmentation pattern consists of 8-10 dark-brown to black, mostly complete crossbands on the body, with these bands noticeably wider than the alternating lighter-colored crossbands; 3 dark brown crossbands continuous across head; 2 conspicuous white spots in longitudinal series on the ocular-side midline; 2 elongated ocular-side pectoral-fin rays of nearly equal length or with the second fin ray longer than first; small scales on bases and proximal halves of elongated ocular-side pectoral-fin rays (Ref. 76812). | |||
Biology: | Found in estuaries and harbors, usually buried in muddy substrate (Ref. 9002). Move with undulating body when disturbed, reminiscent of distasteful flatworm, thus possibly deterring predators (Ref. 9002). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 January 2021 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless | |||
Country info: |
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