Lemon Sole

Lemon Sole are the most abundant flounder specie found in New Zealand waters.

They are caught year round, mainly by trawl around the South Island, particularly in Tasman Bay, Pegasus Bay, and off the Otago and Southland coasts. They can be found near the shore to depths of 100 metres.

Like other flounder, Lemon Sole are a great fish to cook whole.

Family

Lemon Sole belong to the Pleuronectidae family (righteye flounders).

Physical attributes

Grey to greenish-brown on the upperside with faint, slightly darker marbling. The belly is white, the body is oval shaped and the widest part of the body is well forward of the centre. The eyes are close together on the edge of a slightly protruding snout.

Lemon Sole has a delicate, moist, white flesh.

Sustainability

Flatfish are managed by the Quota Management System (QMS). The annual catch limit for Flatfish has varied from 5,409 to 6,670 tonnes since 1986. Stock abundance of Flatfish can vary considerably in response to environmental variation. Accordingly, catch limits may be changed frequently to respond to these fluctuations.

All commercially caught New Zealand Flatfish species are available year round and are managed together (in 5 stocks) with a combined Total Allowable Commercial Catch of 5,419 tonne.

Geographical location

Widespread in New Zealand waters, particularly in the South Island, Lemon Sole live mainly near the sore to depths of up to 100 metres.
They are more abundant around the Tasman Bay, Pegasus Bay, and off the Otago and Southland Coasts.

Market Names

• New Zealand: Lemon Sole
• Australia: Lemon Sole
• Japan: Karei
• Spain: Mendo limon
• USA: NZ Lemon Sole, Southern Lemon Sole
• Germany: Limande, Rotzunge
• France: Limande-Sole
• Commonwealth: Malorotaya kambala
• Korea: Cham ga za mi

Locations Caught