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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Deep-water 🎣 Game Fish

Deep-sea sole

Microstomus bathybius Gilbert, 1890
Max Length
47 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
41–1800 m
Climate
Deep-water
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
52.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
deep-water

📖 Overview

Deep-sea sole (Microstomus bathybius), first described by Gilbert, 1890 is a large fish in the family Pleuronectidae (order Pleuronectiformes). Adults typically reach 47.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 41 to 1800 metres. It occurs in Deep-water 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 valued as a game and sport species.

Scientific Name
Microstomus bathybius
Authority
Gilbert, 1890
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Deep-water
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
47 cm
Depth Range
41–1800 m
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
52.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 109 - 117; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 95 - 98. Dorsal origin over posterior edge of pupil. Caudal imperfectly rounded. Pectorals short.: short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Deep-sea sole is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 41 - 1800 m , usually 500 - 950 m . Deep-water; 68°N - 25°N, 140°E - 111°W North Pacific: Japan to the Gulf of Alaska and to Mexican border.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌑 Deep Water
Trophic Level
3.2±0.1

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00955 × L3.15 (TL)
Max TL
47cm
Dorsal Rays
113
Anal Rays
97

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
52.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Deep-water
Described By
Gilbert, 1890

🎣 Angling Guide

Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Line Weight
15-30
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Hook Size
2/0-5/0
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Techniques
bottom fishing popping cork soft plastics live bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimp cut mullet soft plastic paddle-tails popping corks
Recommended Tackle
  • medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
  • 30-50 lb braid
  • fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
  • grass flats
  • oyster bars
  • marsh drains
  • deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips

Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.

Regulations Summary

⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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