Microchirus

Microchirus is a genus of flatfishes in the order Pleuronectiformes. The taxonomic placement of Microchirus has varied; in some classifications it is placed within the family Cynoglossidae (tonguefishes), while other schemes place it in Soleidae (true soles). The genus comprises several small to medium-sized species known as soles that occur in tropical and subtropical seas.

Distribution and habitat: Species of Microchirus are found in warm, shallow and shelf waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, often on sandy or muddy bottoms. They are demersal, spending most of their lives on or near the seabed, and may tolerate a range of depths from nearshore waters to continental shelves.

Description: Members of Microchirus have a flattened, laterally compressed body typical of pleuronectiform fishes. Both eyes are on the same side of the head, which bears the dorsal pigmentation patterns typical of the group. Coloration varies by species, but individuals are usually mottled brown, gray, or pale, providing camouflage on the substrate. Size ranges from a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters depending on the species.

Ecology and biology: Microchirus species feed mainly on benthic invertebrates, such as polychaetes, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are oviparous, releasing pelagic eggs that drift with currents.

Fisheries and conservation: They are occasionally caught in bottom trawls and are generally of minor commercial value, though local fisheries may target specific species. As with many flatfishes, habitat destruction and bottom trawling can impact populations.