Achirus lineatus
Encyclopedia
The Lined Sole or Achirus lineatus (Linnaeus 1758) is sometimes confused with the Hogchoker
, (Trinectes maculatus) which is distinguished (at over 15 mm total length) by the latter's total lack of pectoral fin rays.
Occurs mainly in brackish or hyper-saline lagoons, or on sandy-muddy bottoms of estuaries as well as the littoral zone. It hides itself in the substrate leaving its eyes uncovered to view prey and predators. Can easily disguise itself in the environment. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and small fishes. Juveniles have a brief planktonic life, moving quickly to the benthic stage. Its growth rate is relatively slow. Commonly caught in the Western Atlantic bight: Florida
, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico
to northern Argentina. Often considered a trash fish in commercial trawling
, it is of little or no economic value.
All of genus Achirus is defined within the family Achiridae by the foramen piercing the interbranchial septum, the ocular-side pectoral fin usually with 2 to 8 rays, and the blind-side pectoral fin either with a single ray or absent. Achirus lineatus is further distinguished by a darkly shaded caudal region on the blind side of the body and the face-side caudal fin with numerous dark spots or irregular blotches.
Etymology of this family name: Greek, acheir, -eiros = without hands
Zipcodezoo article: http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/A/Achirus_lineatus.asp
Hogchoker
The Hogchoker is a small flatfish found along the coast of parts of North America. They prefer brackish water, and are abundant in many bays and estuaries north of the Carolinas . It is a member of the Sole family soledae...
, (Trinectes maculatus) which is distinguished (at over 15 mm total length) by the latter's total lack of pectoral fin rays.
Occurs mainly in brackish or hyper-saline lagoons, or on sandy-muddy bottoms of estuaries as well as the littoral zone. It hides itself in the substrate leaving its eyes uncovered to view prey and predators. Can easily disguise itself in the environment. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and small fishes. Juveniles have a brief planktonic life, moving quickly to the benthic stage. Its growth rate is relatively slow. Commonly caught in the Western Atlantic bight: Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
to northern Argentina. Often considered a trash fish in commercial trawling
Trawling
Trawling is a method of fishing that involves pulling a fishing net through the water behind one or more boats. The net that is used for trawling is called a trawl....
, it is of little or no economic value.
All of genus Achirus is defined within the family Achiridae by the foramen piercing the interbranchial septum, the ocular-side pectoral fin usually with 2 to 8 rays, and the blind-side pectoral fin either with a single ray or absent. Achirus lineatus is further distinguished by a darkly shaded caudal region on the blind side of the body and the face-side caudal fin with numerous dark spots or irregular blotches.
Etymology of this family name: Greek, acheir, -eiros = without hands
External links
Fishbase article : http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=4256&genusname=Achirus&speciesname=lineatusZipcodezoo article: http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/A/Achirus_lineatus.asp