El Sole, scientifically known as sunny sunny o solea vulgaris, is one of the species de peces one of the most famous fish in the world, both for its interesting biology and for its culinary prestige. This fish belongs to the Soleidae family and the Pleuronectiformes order, being distinguished by its physical characteristics and unique adaptive behaviors.
Characteristics of Sole
The Sole stands out for having a body oval and flat, with a greyish brown upper side that helps it camouflage itself on sandy or muddy seabeds. Its lower side, in contact with the bottom, is greyish brown. white, which clearly differentiates it from other species. This camouflage allows it to protect itself from predators and hunt efficiently.
At birth, the sole has a more common shape, with eyes on both sides of its skull. However, as it grows, it experiences a curious phenomenon known as “eye migration,” where one of its eyes moves to the same side, adapting to a life close to the seabed. This change, which usually occurs in spring, is essential to integrate into your environment and adopt a horizontal posture.
In addition, the Flounder has a small, rounded head with an oblique mouth and protractile lips that it uses to quickly capture its prey. prey. Its eyes are small and located on the upper side of its body. On the pectoral fin there is a blackish spot that is characteristic of most specimens of this species.
Food and Habitat
The natural habitat of the Sole consists mainly of sandy or muddy seabeds, where it is found at depths ranging from 20 to XNUMX m. 200 metersIt is a euryhaline fish, which means that it can adapt to different levels of salinity. This makes it possible to find it also in brackish waters y coastal lagoons, such as river mouths.
As for its diet, the sole is a specialized hunter on the seabed. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans, mollusks and invertebrates that live in these areas. Its ability to blend in with its surroundings allows it to wait patiently for the currents to bring its food.
Reproduction
The reproductive cycle of the sole is fascinating and occurs between the months of May and August. During this period, the female can deposit between two and three million eggs on the seabed, which are fertilised by the male. The larvae are born after two weeks and float freely on the surface of the water for a period of between four and six weeks, until they are ready to descend to the seabed and adapt to their new life.
In their initial phase, the young are in the form of fry and swim in a vertical position, resembling other species. de peces small. However, as they develop, they experience the anatomical changes that characterize adults.
Economic and Culinary Importance
Sole is considered one of the most valuable white fish in gastronomy. Its meat is lean, firm, delicate and with a mild flavor that makes it an ideal ingredient for numerous recipes. This fish is rich in proteins of high biological value, omega-3, phosphorus, iodine and vitamins such as niacin (B3). In addition, it is low in fat, making it suitable for healthy and balanced diets.
Some of the most common preparation methods include grilling, baking or in sauce. Dishes such as Sole Meunière They are classics in international haute cuisine.
Species and Varieties
There are several species of sole, some of which are often confused with each other:
- Common sole (Solea solea): The best known and most valued.
- Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis): Similar to the common one, but with differences in its pigmentation and pectoral fin.
- Sand sole (Solea lascaris): It is characterized by the light spot on its pectoral fin.
- Cape sole (Austroglosus pectoralis): Less frequent and without specific clear spots.
Recognizing and differentiating these species is essential to avoid fraud in markets and fishmongers, where other species are often sold as authentic sole.
The sole is not only an extraordinary fish for its anatomy and behavior, but it also plays a crucial role in aquaculture and gastronomy. versatility, both in the wild and in the kitchen, makes it one of the most fascinating and valuable marine animals in the world.