African solenette
📖 Overview
African solenette (Vanstraelenia chirophthalma), first described by Regan, 1915 is a medium-sized fish in the family Soleidae (order Pleuronectiformes). Adults typically reach 28.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 8 to 100 metres. It occurs in Tropical 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 Data Deficient.The species is important as a food fish. 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 African solenette is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for African solenette is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 8 - 100 m . Tropical; 12°N - 17°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"African solenette 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 African solenette is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for African solenette 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dicologlossa chirophthalmus | Regan | 1915 | Synonym |
| Solea chirophthalmus | Regan | 1915 | Synonym |
| Vanstraelenia insignis | Chabanaud | 1950 | Synonym |
| Xenobuglossus elongatus | Chabanaud | 1950 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 666 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for African solenette ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.