Kingdom Animalia Genus Microstomus Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Family Pleuronectidae Scientific name Microstomus pacificus Higher classification Microstomus Order Flatfish | |
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Similar Microstomus, Flatfish, Rex sole, Pleuronectidae, Glyptocephalus | ||
Microstomus pacificus, the (Pacific) Dover sole, slime sole or slippery sole is a Pacific flatfish of the flounder family which ranges from Baja California to the Bering Sea. It takes its name from a resemblance to the common sole of Europe, which is often called Dover sole.
Dover sole can live for 45 years. The species was identified in proximity to a methane seep off the coast of Del Mar, Calif. They spawn annually in the winter season in deep water between 800 and 1,000 m. Males begin to spawn at four years of age, while females begin to spawn at age five.
Cuisine
Pacific Dover sole is generally sold whole, in steaks, or in fillets. The skin is generally removed before cooking, as it is slimy. It is mild-tasting, with firm flesh, though "not as mild as European Dover sole".