Sole (fish) facts for kids

A sole is a type of flatfish. It belongs to a group of fish families. Most often, when people talk about soles, they mean fish from the Soleidae family. These fish are known for their flat bodies. They live on the seabed.

The common sole, also called Dover sole, lives around the coasts of Europe.

American soles are another type of flatfish. They can be found in both fresh and salty water in the Americas.

What is a Sole?

Soles are unique fish. They have very flat bodies. This shape helps them hide on the ocean floor. They often bury themselves in sand or mud. This way, they can ambush their prey. It also helps them stay safe from predators.

Different Kinds of Soles

The name "sole" is used for many different flatfish. In Europe, it usually means fish from the Soleidae family. Outside Europe, the name "sole" can be used for other similar flatfish. This includes other members of the sole suborder Soleoidei. It also includes some fish from the flounder family, called Pleuronectidae.

The Famous Dover Sole

In European cooking, the common sole is very popular. It is also known as the Dover sole (Solea solea). People often just call it "the sole." This type of sole is widely available. Many people think it is the best-tasting sole. It is a favorite in many seafood dishes.

See also

In Spanish: Lenguado para niños