Solea aegyptiaca is a species of flatfish belonging to the family Soleidae. This fish is known for its distinctive flattened body and its tendency to lie on the seabed, camouflaged amongst the sand or rocks.
Description & Characteristics
Solea aegyptiaca can reach a maximum size of 65.0 cm in length. It is distinguished by its elongated, oval-shaped body and its flattened appearance, a characteristic adaptation for life on the seafloor. The fish’s eyes are positioned on the right side of its head, a defining feature of flatfish. This right side is typically pigmented, while the left side, which lies on the seafloor, is often pale and devoid of pigmentation.
Habitat and Occurrence
Solea aegyptiaca is found in a range of depths from 1.0 to 100.0 meters. The species is typically found in marine zones, often inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms. This preference for these substrates allows for effective camouflage and provides access to their prey.
Taxonomy
The species Solea aegyptiaca belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Pleuronectiformes, and Family: Soleidae. This classification places it within a group of bony fish with laterally flattened bodies, a characteristic that unites many of the flatfish species.
Feeding
Solea aegyptiaca is a carnivorous fish with a diet primarily consisting of small invertebrates. They feed on organisms such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms, using their sensitive barbels to detect prey buried in the sediment. Their flattened bodies and the placement of their eyes on one side are adaptations that allow them to lie in wait for prey while remaining well-camouflaged on the seabed.
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