Blackhand Sole

This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: dorsal fin rays 61-71; anal fin rays 47-55 ; lateral line scales 88-116; caudal vertebrae 25-28; snout, rounded; scale width half its length, ctenii about one fourth of scale length; a small transparent membrane join base of dorsal and anal fins to base of caudal fin (Ref. 56201).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 61 - 71; Analsoft rays: 47 - 55

Prefers muddy substrates and turbid waters. Turbidity may act as an isolating mechanism which provides it with a form of cover through a reduction in light intensity, which in turn, acts physically to visually isolate it from its predators. Is an opportunistic feeder but will hunt for favoured prey when they are readily available (Ref. 42246).

Usually found in estuaries. Juveniles are abundant on shallow sand banks (Ref. 3200).