Petrale sole

Petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani) is a flatfish species belonging to the family Pleuronectidae. It is native to the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from the Bering Sea to Baja California.

Description

The Petrale sole is a right-eyed flounder, meaning its eyes are located on the right side of its body when it is viewed from above. It has a diamond-shaped body that is brown on the top side and white on the bottom side. The average length of a mature Petrale sole is 16 inches, but they can grow up to 2 feet long.

Habitat and Distribution

Petrale sole inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in deep waters, typically between 90 and 540 meters. They are most commonly found off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, but their range extends from the Bering Sea to Baja California.

Diet

The diet of the Petrale sole consists mainly of small fish and invertebrates, including crustaceans, cephalopods, and polychaetes.

Reproduction

Petrale sole are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs that are fertilized externally. Spawning occurs from November to March, with peak spawning in January and February.

Commercial Fishing

Petrale sole is a valuable species for commercial fishing. It is caught primarily by trawling, and is marketed fresh and frozen.

Conservation Status

The Petrale sole is currently listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN.