Achirus lineatus

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Lined Sole

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Pleuronectiformes
Family:	Achiridae
Genus:	Achirus
Species:	A. lineatus

Binomial name

Achirus lineatus
(Linnaeus 1758)

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 trawlers. 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^[1]. 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.

Etymology of this family name: Greek, acheir, -eiros = without hands

[edit] References

^ Munroe, T.A., 2002

[1] Munroe, T.A., 2002. Achiridae. American soles. p. 1925-1933. In K.E. Carpenter (ed.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Atlantic. Vol. 3: Bony fishes part 2 (Opistognathidae to Molidae), sea turtles and marine mammals