Whiskered Sole

Overview

The Whiskered Sole (Monochirus hispidus) is a small, bottom-dwelling flatfish primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea. This species is typically encountered on soft substrates, such as sand or mud, where it remains well-camouflaged while resting on the seafloor.

Distribution & habitat

This species is native to the Mediterranean Sea, where it inhabits neritic zones. It is most commonly found at depths between 10 and 100 meters, often favoring areas with soft bottoms and sometimes near seagrass beds like Zostera.

Appearance

Like other flatfish, the Whiskered Sole has a compressed body, with both eyes located on the same side. Its coloration is typically greyish or reddish-brown, allowing it to blend into its benthic environment. A key diagnostic feature is the absence of a pectoral fin on its blind (underside) side, while the eyed side features a small pectoral fin with 5 to 6 unbranched rays. The dorsal fin begins before the eyes, and the caudal fin remains separate from the dorsal and anal fins.

Biology & behavior

As a demersal species, it spends its life on or near the ocean floor. It is known for a unique "fincrawling" behavior, using its fins to move across the substrate. It is considered a harmless species and is occasionally caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries. Reproduction typically occurs during the winter months.