Home
>
Fish
>
Saltpan Sole

Saltpan Sole

Brachirus salinarum

Quick Facts

Scientific name Brachirus salinarum

Other names Salt Pan Sole

Size Up to 15 cm (5.9 in)

Weight Up to 30 grams

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater streams to estuaries amongst sandy & gravel bottoms

Depth Range 0 - 20 m (65 ft)

Interesting Info

The Saltpan Sole is a species of flatfish found exclusively in the waters around Australia. Commonly found in shallow estuaries and coastal waters, and is often associated with sandy or muddy substrates of fresh and brackish waters.
They have a flattened body and is characterised by its small mouth, large eyes, and tapered tail. It has a smooth, brownish-grey body with darker speckles and markings.
The Saltpan Sole is a benthic species, which means that it lives and feeds on or near the sea floor. It is a predator, feeding primarily on small crustaceans and bony fish.
They have a low reproductive rate, with females typically producing only a few eggs at a time.
It is also a popular target for recreational anglers, who often use bait such as worms or prawns to catch the fish.
Estimates on lifespan are relatively short, with individuals typically living for only a few years.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Recreational fishing for Saltpan Sole is not very common, as this species is not a popular game fish and is not typically targeted by recreational anglers. However, Saltpan Sole can occasionally be caught by anglers using baited hooks or lures in estuaries or shallow coastal waters, where the fish are known to live.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Pleuronectiformes

Family: Soleidae

Genus: Brachirus

Species: Brachirus salinarum

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the saltpan sole is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This indicates that the species is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction.