45. Solea elongata Day, 1877

Elongate sole (Figure 46)

Material examined: 1 ex.; 03.08.10; Mohana, Reg. No. MARC /ZSI/F1485 .

Description: Body elongate and flat. Eyes on right side, small, separated by a scaly space, half the eye diameter; mouth small, curved, cleft reaching to below middle of lower eye. Dorsal and anal fins separated from caudal fin; pectoral fins well developed, symmetrical; pelvic fins short, symmetrical. Colour brownish or greyish, spotted or blotched darker; the markings are more distinct near the edge of the body, and often tend to form irregular vertical bands; a black blotch present on distal part of pectoral fin. Size: 30 cm.

Distribution: Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Persian Gulf to the west and east coast of India and Sri Lanka.

Remarks: The fish has a commercial value.