soles

Soles is a common name used for several flatfish species in the order Pleuronectiformes, particularly those in the family Soleidae. The best known is the common sole, Solea solea, which is sometimes marketed as Dover sole. Another important species is the Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis. These fishes are demersal, living on soft bottoms in shallow coastal waters and on continental shelves of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. They feed mainly on crustaceans, worms, and small fish, and reach marketable sizes after a few years.

Anatomy and biology: Soles are flattened and asymmetrical, with eyes on the upper, pigmented side. They have a continuous dorsal and anal fin and a mouth adapted for feeding along the seabed. Camouflage and burrowing behaviors help them blend with sediment. Spawning occurs in specific seasons, and juveniles migrate to nursery habitats before maturing.

Distribution and ecology: Soles inhabit temperate regions and prefer sandy or muddy substrates. They are typically found from shallow coastal zones to modest depths on continental shelves. Environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity, and substrate influence their distribution and abundance. Fisheries and environmental pressures can impact stocks.

Human use: Soles are valued as food fish in European and other markets. The common and Dover soles have long been important in commercial and recreational fisheries, supported by trawling, dredging, and lineFishing methods. Management measures seek to sustain stocks, regulate bycatch, and maintain habitat quality.

Foot sole and footwear: The term sole also refers to the bottom surface of the human foot, including the plantar fat pad that distributes weight and aids balance, as well as to the bottom part of a shoe or boot. Shoe soles are made from leather, rubber, foam, or synthetic materials and provide traction, insulation, and cushioning, wearing down with use and sometimes being replaced.