English sole, Parophrys vetulus

English sole, Parophrys vetulus

Phylum Chordata, Family Pleuronectidae

Habitat: Sandy and muddy bottoms in estuaries and near shore, but can reach depths up to 550m. 

Description: Sandy colored and flat, which helps it blend in. It is a right eyed flatfish, with a diamond shaped body and an asymmetric mouth. 

Distribution: Northern Alaska to Baja California.

Fun Fact: The English sole is an important commercial fish in the United States, however, catches have been declining since the 1960s due to over fishing.