Introduction
The Butter Sole, also known as Isopsetta isolepis, belongs to the family of flatfishes, Pleuronectidae.
Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the current status of the Butter Sole is “Least Concern” due to its widespread distribution and assumed large population size.
Conservation efforts
While the Butter Sole’s current status requires no urgent conservation, various efforts are ongoing to maintain healthy populations. These include legislation limiting the use of destructive fishing gear and periodic fisheries assessments.
Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Length (Average) | 30 cm |
| Length (Range) | 20-50 cm |
| Weight (Average) | 1 kg |
| Weight (Range) | 0.5-3 kg |
| Average Lifespan | 8-10 years |
Distribution
Butter Sole species are widely spread in the northeast Pacific Ocean, from the Bering Sea and Alaska south to Baja California, Mexico.
Migration patterns
Butter Sole populations undertake shallow inshore-offshore migrations related to spawning and feeding.
Habitats
The Butter Sole prefers sandy or muddy substrata in cold (<20°C) marine waters, usually at depths of 9-549 m.
When and Where to See
Butter Sole are most commonly observed during summer and early autumn, especially during daytime when they are more actively feeding.
Best Fishing Locations and Tips
- Columbia River, USA
- Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA
- Vancouver Island, Canada
- Baja California, Mexico
- Monterey Bay, USA
General tip: Butter sole are often found near sand or mud bottoms at moderate depths, so bottom fishing techniques can be most effective.
How to Catch
Butter Sole are often caught with baited hooks or small lures. Fishing is most effective during the daytime and in summer to early autumn when the fish are most active.
Identification Guide
Butter Sole has a uniformly dark upper side and pale lower side, with body depths 2.5-3.0 times in head length. It can be easily distinguished from similar species by its small mouth reaching only to below front of eye and 72-97 dorsal fin rays.
Culinary
Butter Sole has a sweet, delicate flavor and is often pan-fried, baked, or used in fish soups. It is nutritionally rich, being a good source of protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Additional Information
Butter Sole feeds primarily on polychaetes, crustaceans, and small fishes. Its primary predators are larger fishes and marine mammals.
References and Further Reading
FishBase
Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)