Lined Sole

Lined Sole

The Lined Sole or Achirus lineatus (Linnaeus 1758) is sometimes confused with the Hogchoker, (Trinectes maculatus) which is distinguished (at over 15 mm total length) by the latter's total lack of pectoral fin rays. Occurs mainly in brackish or hyper-saline lagoons, or on sandy-muddy bottoms of estuaries as well as the littoral zone. It hides itself in the substrate leaving its eyes uncovered to view prey and predators. Can easily disguise itself in the environment. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and small fishes. Juveniles have a brief planktonic life, moving quickly to the benthic stage. Its growth rate is relatively slow. Commonly caught in the Western Atlantic bight: Florida, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to northern Argentina. Often considered a trash fish in commercial trawling, it is of little or no economic value. All of genus Achirus is defined within the family Achiridae by the foramen piercing the interbranchial septum, the ocular-side pectoral fin usually with 2 to 8 rays, and the blind-side pectoral fin either with a single ray or absent. Achirus lineatus is further distinguished by a darkly shaded caudal region on the blind side of the body and the face-side caudal fin with numerous dark spots or irregular blotches.

Lined Sole

Lined Sole

Lined Sole

Lined Sole

Lined Sole

Lined Sole

Lined Sole

Lined Sole

Lined Sole