A taxonomic reappraisal of the Atlanto‐Mediterranean soles Solea solea, S. senegalensis and S. lascaris

Abstract

Examination of morphometric characters of Solea aegyptiaca shows that it cannot be separated from Solea solea. Diagnostic characters are given to separate this species from S. senegalensis. The available data show that Solea impar and S. nasuta are junior synonyms of S. lascaris. Meristic characters of S. solea and S. lascaris vary greatly according to the geographical origin of the examined fishes, indicating the influence of temperature on the number of vertebrae and fin rays. A key is provided for the identification of the four species of the genus Solea known in the Atlanto‐Mediterranean region.