Barnardichthys

Barnardichthys fulvomarginata, the lemon sole, is a species of sole endemic to the coasts of South Africa. This species is the only known member of its genus.^[1]

Barnardichthys
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Carangiformes
Suborder:	Pleuronectoidei
Family:	Soleidae
Genus:	Barnardichthys Chabanaud, 1927
Species:	B. fulvomarginata
Binomial name
Barnardichthys fulvomarginata (Gilchrist, 1904)
Synonyms
Solea fulvomarginata Gilchrist, 1904 Barnardichthys fulvomarginatus (Gilchrist, 1904)

Description

The lemon sole grows to a length of 26 cm (10 in) TL.^[1] The blind side of the head is covered in small filaments. The eyes are green. It has a pale buff or yellow body that is scattered with darker and paler spots, with a few large, dark spots along the edges of the dorsal and anal fins. Similar large spots also sometimes occur along the mid-line. The dorsal and anal fins have distinct yellow margins and are fused to a large, rounded caudal fin.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to South Africa, where it is found at False Bay and further to the east of the country.^[1][2] It is found in areas where the sea floor is made of fine sand, from near inshore areas to a depth of at least 50 m (160 ft).^[2]

Ecology

This species covers itself in sand when it rests on the sea floor. It feeds on small benthic invertebrates.^[2]