Barnardichthys
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  | |
| 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 | |
| |
Description
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
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
This species covers itself in sand when it rests on the sea floor. It feeds on small benthic invertebrates.[2]
References
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2012). "Barnardichthys fulvomarginata" in FishBase. December 2012 version.
- 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.