Lemon Sole

Lemon sole has a delicate texture and subtle flavor, making it a popular fish in many European countries.

Lemon Sole (Microstomus kitt) is a flatfish found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Bay of Biscay to the White Sea. It is highly prized in many European countries for its delicate texture and subtle flavor.

Appearance

Lemon sole has a flat, oval-shaped body that is brown on the top side and white on the underside. Its scales are small and the skin is smooth. It has two small eyes on the top side of its head and a small mouth with sharp teeth. Lemon sole can grow up to 40cm in length, but are typically caught at around 20-30cm.

Habitat

Lemon sole is found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Bay of Biscay to the White Sea. It lives on sandy and muddy seabeds, and is commonly found in shallow waters up to 200m deep. Lemon Sole are bottom-dwellers and prefer to live in areas with strong currents.

Fishing and Seasonality

Lemon sole is a popular commercial fish and is caught year-round. They are most abundant in the summer months, but can be caught throughout the year. The most common method for catching lemon sole is with a bottom trawl or seine net.

Culinary

Lemon sole has a delicate texture and subtle flavor, making it a popular fish in many European countries. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, and sautéing. It is often served with butter, lemon, and herbs.

Conservation

Lemon sole is not currently listed as a threatened species, but there are concerns about overfishing in some areas. To protect populations, fishing quotas and regulations have been put in place in certain regions. In addition, there are efforts to develop more sustainable fishing practices, such as using nets that reduce bycatch and limiting the amount of time that nets are in the water.