Banded sole
📖 Overview
Banded sole (Microchirus wittei), first described by Chabanaud, 1950 is a medium-sized fish in the family Soleidae (order Pleuronectiformes). Adults typically reach 25.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 145 to 460 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Soleidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Banded sole is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Banded sole is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 145 - 460 m . Tropical; 16°N - 4°N
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Banded 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
Detailed nutritional data for Banded sole is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Banded 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 (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Banded Sole |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quenselia wittei | Chabanaud | 1950 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 663 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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