Pacific sand sole
📖 Overview
Pacific sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus), first described by Girard, 1854 is a large fish in the family Pleuronectidae (order Pleuronectiformes). Adults typically reach 63.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 1 to 325 metres. It occurs in Temperate waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, valued as a game and sport species, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. 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): 72 - 88; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 53 - 66; Vertebrae: 37 - 39. Dorsal origin above point in front of eye. Caudal rounded. Pectorals small.: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific sand sole is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 325 m . Temperate; 64°N - 33°N, 179°W - 118°W West Bering Sea and to Redondo Beach, southern California, USA.
🌿 Ecology
fishes, worms, crustaceans and mollusks (Ref
📐 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
"Pacific sand 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) | 367 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pacific sand 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psettichthys melanosticus | Girard | 1854 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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