Barnardichthys fulvomarginata, the lemon sole, is a species of sole endemic to the coasts of South Africa. This species is the only known member of its genus.[1]

Barnardichthys
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Pleuronectiformes
Family: Soleidae
Genus: Barnardichthys
Chabanaud, 1927
Species:
B. fulvomarginata
Binomial name
Barnardichthys fulvomarginata
(Gilchrist, 1904)
Synonyms
  • Solea fulvomarginata Gilchrist, 1904
  • Barnardichthys fulvomarginatus (Gilchrist, 1904)

Description edit

The lemon sole grows to a length of 26 cm (10 in) TL.[1] The blind side of the head is covered in small filaments. The eyes are green. It has a pale buff or yellow body that is scattered with darker and paler spots, with a few large, dark spots along the edges of the dorsal and anal fins. Similar large spots also sometimes occur along the mid-line. The dorsal and anal fins have distinct yellow margins and are fused to a large, rounded caudal fin.[2]

Distribution and habitat edit

This species is endemic to South Africa, where it is found at False Bay and further to the east of the country.[1][2] It is found in areas where the sea floor is made of fine sand, from near inshore areas to a depth of at least 50 m (160 ft).[2]

Ecology edit

This species covers itself in sand when it rests on the sea floor. It feeds on small benthic invertebrates.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2012). "Barnardichthys fulvomarginata" in FishBase. December 2012 version.
  2. ^ a b c d Zsilavecz, Guido (2005). Coastal fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay : a divers' identification guide. Cape Town: Southern Underwater Research Group. ISBN 0-620-34230-7. OCLC 70133147.