COMMON MARINE FISHES 



135 



Figure 105 



Photo by J. B. PhUllps 



DOVER SOLE 



Microstomus pacificus 



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



Distinguishing Characters: See page 122. The nearly straight lateral line which 

 has no dorsal branch ; the opercular opening which barely reaches above the base of the 

 pectoral fin ; the maxillary reaching to under the fore part of the lower eye ; the small 

 mouth, with the jaws better developed on the blind side and few if any teeth on the eyed 

 side ; the caudal fin being about two-thirds the length of the head and the pectoral fin 

 being shorter than the head. Secretes large amounts of slime. Eyes on the right side. 

 Length to about two feet. Color: Shades of brown sometimes with blotches of lighter 

 or darker shades. 



Distribution: Alaska to Southern California. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



Importance: Not taken commercially in California until 1947. Landed at Eureka 

 in moderate quantity during 1947. 



Fishing Gear: Otter trawls. 



Unauthorized Names: Slippery sole, slime sole, Chinese sole. 



