Dover Sole

Dover Sole (Microstomus pacificus)

This sole was seen at Hydrate Ridge at a depth of 769 m. It was laying along the seafloor in cobbly sediment. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive 1765; V14

The Dover Sole is a Pacific flatfish in the flounder family which ranges from Baja California to the Bering Sea. This commercially fished species can live for over 50 years and grow up to 76 cm in length, reaching reproductive age around 4 or 5. They are brown or grayish brown in color, and spawn annually in the winter season in deep waters. Sole are commonly seen at Southern Hydrate Ridge (~780 meters water depth), lying on the seafloor in cobbly sediment, waiting for prey to swim by.

References:
Marine Life Field Guide, Neptune Canada
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/bottomfish/identification/flatfish/m_pacificus.html

 

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This Sole at Southern Hydrate Ridge is at a depth of 769 m. It was laying along the seafloor in cobbly sediment. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI//CSSF; ROPOS Dive 1765; V14.
This Sole at Southern Hydrate Ridge is at a depth of 769 m. It was laying along the seafloor in cobbly sediment. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI//CSSF; ROPOS Dive 1765; V14.