COMMON MARINE FISHES 127 



BROADFIN SOLE 



Lepidopsetta bilineata 



Relationship: A member of family Pleuronectidae. (See page 122.) 



Distinguishing Characters: See page 122. The abrupt high arch in the lateral 

 line over the pectoral fin; the lateral line having a dorsal branch; the jaws and 

 teeth being better developed on the blind side ; the small mouth, the maxillary extending 

 to below the fore part of the lower eye ; the pectoral fin on the eyed side being shorter 

 than the head. Eyes on the right side. Reaches a length of 18 or 20 inches and a 

 weight of five or six pounds. Color: Dark brown, with vague paler blotches, mottled 

 and spotted with darker and lighter shades ; dorsal, anal and caudal fins with dark 

 blotches or bars ; blind side white to yellowish. 



Distribution: Southern California to the Bering Sea; south on the Asiatic 

 side to Japan. Rare in Southern California. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



Importance: Forms a very minor part of the sole catch in California. 



Fishing Gear: Otter trawls, some hook and line. 



Unauthorized Names: Double-lined flounder, rock sole, flounder. 



