petrale sole
Eopsetta jordani
Flatfish of the North Pacific, highly prized at the table and sought by commercial and sport fishing. Reaches 53 cm and can weigh up to 3.7 kg.
Also called: linguado-petrale, platija petrale, Petrale sole
- maximum
- 53 cm
- record/max.
- 3.7 kg
- depth
- 0–550 m
who is the petrale sole
The petrale sole is a flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae that lives on sand bottoms in the North Pacific, from Alaska to northern Baja California, Mexico. It usually stays in deep water, but the species occurs from 0 to 550 m. It reaches 53 cm and 3.7 kg, and its common size is 42.5 cm. It feeds on invertebrates and bottom fish. It is considered one of the most valued flatfish on the Pacific coast, with commercial and sport interest.
Essential profile. Identification, where it occurs and rules, with data from FishBase and the cited regulations. Season, time of day, technique and bait are added once we have a good source for the petrale sole; in the meantime, see the similar species.
fun facts
- It can live 35 years.
- The liver of large specimens is rich in vitamin A.
identification
Short, deep body, with the dorsal fin starting over the middle of the eye. The caudal fin is longest in the middle and ends in a wide V. The pectoral fins are large and blunt-tipped. On the same coast, the Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) has an almost rounded tail, not a V, which helps tell the two apart.
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Each card shows the day's index (0 to 100) and, below it, a strip with the index for each hour, from 0h to 23h. from poor to excellent.
Essential profile: the index uses a general fish model (weather, sun, moon and tide), without a season or time of day specific to this species.
where found
In Latin America, it reaches northern Baja California, Mexico, including the Coronado Islands.
Habitat: Sand bottoms, usually in deep water, from 0 to 550 m.
rules for the petrale sole
Summary of the regulations we found, with the source for each. Rules change; before keeping or transporting fish, check with the state environmental agency.
We found no species-specific rule beyond the region's general rules.
catch and release
catch and release Releasing the fish alive, quickly and with a wet hand. During a closed season it isn't always allowed: what the regulation says applies.
Not dangerous. Remove the hook with pliers and release it carefully, without squeezing the body.
in the kitchen
It is sold fresh or as frozen fillets, and can be steamed, fried or baked.
how much it weighs without taking it out of the water
Length-weight relationship W = a·Lb (a = 0.00724, b = 3.08; FishBase (relação peso-comprimento bayesiana, estimativa da própria espécie)). It's an average: a fat or lean fish can vary by 10% to 20%.
estimated weight
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sources and references
Essential profile: size, length-weight, depth, countries and conservation come from FishBase and the cited regulations, and the texts were written from those sources. Season, time of day, sensitivities, technique and baits and lures are not included yet, because we did not find a good source for this species.
- scientific FishBase: Eopsetta jordani (ficha da espécie)Size, length-weight, depth, habitat, distribution, biology, and IUCN status. Page checked on Oct 13, 2026.
- scientific FishBase: nomes populares de Eopsetta jordaniNames by country and language.
