Roughscale sole
📖 Overview
Roughscale sole (Clidoderma asperrimum), first described by Temminck & Schlegel, 1846 is a large fish in the family Pleuronectidae (order Pleuronectiformes). Adults typically reach 62.00 cm in maximum length and up to 4.400 kg. Reported lifespan reaches approximately 15 years. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 15 to 1900 metres. It occurs in Temperate waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is important as a food fish and valued as a game and sport species. As a member of the Pleuronectidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 75 - 89; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 61 - 72. Dorsal origin above or ahead of upper eye. Caudal broadly rounded.: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Roughscale sole is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 15 - 1900 m , usually 400 - 600 m . Temperate; 1°C - 4°C ; 26°N - 62°N, 117°E - 122°W North Pacific: China (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Roughscale sole is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 432 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Roughscale sole has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (lean white fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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