Peacock sole
📖 Overview
Occurs on sand and mud bottoms of lagoon and seaward reefs . Burries itself in the sand . Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, especially small crustaceans . Extract from sac under the skin is toxic and the mucus appears to have shark-repellent qualities.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 62 - 73; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 48 - 55. Eyes on right side. Dorsal and anal fins separate from caudal fin; pectoral fins absent; pelvic fins unequal, the right one with an elongated base and attached posteriorly to genital papilla . Series of toxic glands along the bases of dorsal- and anal-fin rays, their pores visible . Reddish brown, densely spotted on head; body and fins of ocular surface also with spots of various sizes and shapes, bordered by a dark rim and some with a blackish spot on center .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Peacock sole is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 40 m . Tropical; 32°N - 32°S east to Samoa and Tonga (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
benthic invertebrates, especially small crustaceans (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Peacock 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 | 18.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 66 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Peacock 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 | Ocellated Sole · Peacock sole |
| 🌍CES | jazyk paví |
| 🇫🇷French | Sole ocellée · Sole-paon |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Sogliola pavonina |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Minamiushinoshita · ミナミウシノシタ |
| 🌍MSA | Sisa Nabi |
| 🌍THA | ปลาลิ้นควายจุด · ปลาลิ้นหมาลายนกยูง |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 比目魚 · 眼斑豹鰨 · 鰨沙 · 龍舌 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achirus maculatus | Kuhl & van Hasselt | 1852 | Synonym |
| Achirus pavoninus | Lacepède | 1802 | Synonym |
| Aseraggodes ocellatus | Weed | 1961 | Synonym |
| Aseraggodes persimilis | Günther | 1909 | Synonym |
| Paradachirus pavonimus | Lacepède | 1802 | Synonym |
| Paradachirus pavoninus | Lacepède | 1802 | Synonym |
| Pardachirus parvonimus | Lacepède | 1802 | Synonym |
| Pardachirus povaninus | Lacepède | 1802 | Synonym |
| Pordachirus pavorinus | Lacepède | 1802 | Synonym |
| Solea persimilis | Günther | 1909 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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