Sole, the common name of several species of flatfish. Soles are bottom-dwelling fish, usually found near the shore. During the day they lie buried in the sand. At night they feed on worms, crustaceans, and small fish. They are flattened from side to side, and both eyes are on the same side of the body. The upper side of the body is dark with various markings; the lower side is usually lighter.

SolesSoles are bottom-dwelling fish, usually found near the shore.

Soles are highly prized as food fish. They are usually caught in a trawl or seine and sold as fillets. The most important eastern Atlantic species is the Dover sole. It is found from Norway to Africa and reaches a length of 26 inches (66 cm). The most important western Atlantic, or American, soles are the lemon, or English, sole; the rock sole; the petrale sole, or brill; and the Dover sole (not related to the European species). These species are found from Alaska to Baja California and reach a length of 22 to 28 inches (56 to 71 cm).

The Dover sole of the eastern Atlantic is Solea solea of the sole family, Solidae. The American soles belong to the flounder family, Pleuronectidae. The lemon sole is Parophrys vetulus; rock sole, Lepidopsetta bilineata; petrale sole, Eopsetta jordani; Dover sole, Microstomus pacificus.