Synapturichthys

Synapturichthys kleinii, Klein's sole or lace sole, is a species of economically important sole. It is the only known member of its genus.^[2]

Synapturichthys
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Carangiformes
Suborder:	Pleuronectoidei
Family:	Soleidae
Genus:	Synapturichthys Chabanaud, 1927
Species:	S. kleinii
Binomial name
Synapturichthys kleinii (A. Risso, 1827)
Synonyms
Rhombus kleinii Risso, 1827 Pegusa kleinii (Risso, 1827) Solea kleinii (Risso, 1827) Synaptura kleinii (Risso, 1827) Synaptura savignyi Kaup, 1858 Solea capellonis Steindachner, 1868 Synaptura melanoptera Gilchrist, 1904 Solea melanoptera (Gilchrist, 1904) Solea alboguttata Fowler, 1929

Description

This species grows to a length of 40 centimetres (16 in) TL, though most only reach around 15 centimetres (5.9 in) TL.^[2] The head is covered with filaments on the blind side (the side without the eyes), giving this fish a bearded appearance when viewed from the front. The eyes are green in colour. The body is pale brown. It is covered in large round blotches that are joined by smaller blotches. These form circles with white centers. This pattern extends onto the dorsal and anal fins. The caudal and pectoral fins are small.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

This fish is found in the Mediterranean Sea and along the Atlantic coast of Africa, just barely entering the Indian Ocean in South Africa.^[2] It is found on sandy and rubble sea beds, particularly close to ship wrecks and reefs.^[3]

Ecology

This fish feeds on small benthic invertebrates.^[3]