SOLE, So!ea, a genus of fiat-fishes (pleuroneetid(n), of an oblong form, with a rounded muzzle, which almost always advances beyond the mouth; the month twisted to the side opposite to that on which the eyes are situated, which is usually the right side, although individuals of the same species are found having the eyes and color on the left side; the teeth very small in both jaws, but only in the under part of the mouth (the side opposite to the eyes); the lateral line straight; pectoral fins on both sides; the dorsal and anal fins long, and extending to the tail, but distinct from the tail-fin.--The COMMO' SOLE (S. valgaris) is a highly esteemed fish, abundant on the British coasts where the bottom is sandy, and of which great quantities are brought to market. The London market is supplied chiefly from the s. coast of England, the soles there attaining a larger size than those of more northern coasts. They are caught by trawling, very seldom with bait. The sole is in condition for the table during the whole year except five or six weeks in February and March, its spawning-time. The common sole is found on all the coasts of Europa, except the most northern. It has been known to attain a size of in. long, and almost 12 in. broad, weighing 9 pounds; but a sule of less than half that weight is reckonat, very large. The upper side of the body is of an almost uniform dark brown; the scales small, rough to the touch, and ciliated at the edge; the lower side is while. The sole sometimes ascends rivers to a considerable distance from the sea, and
seems to thrive at least as well in fresh as in salt water, a fact of which advantage has not yet been taken for the stocking of fresh-water ponds. It breeds freely enough in fresh water.—The only other British species of true sole is the LEMON SOLE (S. pegasa), which is sometimes taken with the common sole on the s. coast of England, and more rarely in more northern parts. It is paler in color than the common sole, and broader and thicker in proportion. It is equally esteemed for the table.—The name sole is pop ularly extended to several genera recently separated from the true soles. In braehirus, the dorsal and anal fins are united with the tail fin; but, as in so/ea, there are pectorals on both sides. To this genus belongs the ZEBRA SOLE (B. zebrinas) of Japan, remarkable for the zebra-like stripes which cross its whole body.—In monochirets the pectoral fin is developed only on the upper side. To this genus belong VARIEGATED SOLE (ff.
variegalas) and the LITTLE SOLE Or SOLENETTE /inguatubm), both found on the British coasts, but of little importance, on account of their small size.—In the genera aehiras and ki,ogusia, of which there are no British specieS, the pectorals are wanting on both sides.