FISHES AS FOOD 



269 



Ocean. In the Atlantic its area of distribution extends as far 

 south as the English Channel. The halibut feeds on fishes and 

 crustaceans. 



The Sole (Solea vulgaris, fig. 1196). This valuable and 

 delicately-flavoured food-fish, adult specimens of which average 

 from 12 to 1 8 inches in length, is distinguished from many other 

 forms by its shape, which is a narrow oval with continuous outline, 

 free from sharp curves or projections. It ranges from the Medi- 

 terranean to the south of Scotland, and is captured for the most 

 part in water under 

 30 fathoms deep. 



The Plaice (Pleu- 

 ronectes platessa\ 

 This common British 

 species is of con- 

 siderable economic 

 importance, though 

 its flesh is rather 

 flavourless. Average 

 specimens vary from 

 15 to 1 8 inches in 

 length, but a larger 

 size is often reached, 

 especially in northern 

 waters. The plaice 

 may easily be recog- 

 nized by the large 

 orange - coloured or 

 rust-red blotches on the dark side of the body. It ranges from 

 the north coast of Europe as far south as the Bay of Biscay. 



The Flounder (P. flesus}. This is a rather small species, 

 the pigmented side of which is dark-brown or black. It ranges 

 along the entire west coast of Europe, and is also found in the 

 Baltic and Mediterranean. Flounders are estuarine fishes, and 

 are able to live in fresh water. 



The Dab (P. limanda}. This is about the same size as the 

 flounder, but its pigmented side is of light-brown colour, with 

 darker spots, and the skin is rough. It ranges from the north 

 of Europe to the Bay of Biscay, and is found both in estuaries 

 and the open sea. 



96. Soles (Solea vulgaris] 



