Taxonomy of Finfish (1+2)

3.3.5.5 Soleidae (Soles)

• Flat fishes with eyes on right side of body
• Preopercle without a free margin
• No spines in fins
• Dorsal fin extending far forward on head; dorsal fin and anal fin completely separate from, adherent to or fused with caudal fin
• Pectoral fin sometimes absent; right always longer than left if present
• Lateral line single and straight on body, sometimes branched on head

Eg. Zebrias quagga

Similar Families

Cynoglossidae - Dorsal fin origin far forward on head; dorsal fin and anal fin always joined to caudal fin, eyes on left side of body.

Psettodidae - Dorsal fin and anal fin always separated from caudal fin; dorsal fin not extending forward onto head and spiny rays present on dorsal and pelvic fins.

Pleuronectidae/ Bothidae - Margin of preopercle free and distinct.