134 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



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Figure 104 



SLENDER SOLE 



Lyopsetfa exilis 



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



Distinguishing Characters: See page 122. The lack of an abrupt, high arch in 

 the lateral line over the pectoral fin ; the lacii of a Sorsal branch to the lateral line ; the 

 moderately large mouth with jaws and teeth about equally developed on the blind and 

 eyed sides ; the maxillary extending to below the middle of the lower eye ; the large 

 loosely attached scales, there being about 20 rows between the lateral line and the dorsal 

 fin at the widest part of the body, and 75 or less along the lateral line ; the pectoral fin 

 being shorter than the head. Eyes on the right side. Reaches a length of about a foot. 

 Color: Pale brown with dark points forming edgings on each scale ; the blind side pale 

 orange-yellow to white ; fins dusky. 



Distribution: Alaska south at least to the Mexican border. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



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



Fishing Gear: Otter trawls, some hook and line. 



Unauthorized Names: Slender flounder, rough sole. 



