About Microstomus pacificus (Lockington, 1879)
Microstomus pacificus (Lockington, 1879), commonly known as Pacific Dover sole, and also called slime sole or slippery sole, is a Pacific flatfish belonging to the flounder family. Its native range extends from Baja California to the Bering Sea. It gets its common name from its resemblance to the common sole of Europe, which is often called Dover sole. This species can live up to 45 years. Individuals of this species have been found near a methane seep off the coast of Del Mar in Southern California. Pacific Dover sole spawn annually each winter in deep water, between 800 meters (2,600 feet) and 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). Males reach sexual maturity and begin spawning at four years of age, while females begin spawning at five years of age.
As a food fish, Pacific Dover sole is generally sold whole, as steaks, or as fillets. Its skin is typically removed before cooking, because it is slimy. The flesh of Pacific Dover sole is firm and mild-tasting, though it is not as mild as European Dover sole. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch rates Pacific Dover sole from California, the broader US West Coast, and Alaska fisheries as a "Best Choice" for purchase. Pacific Dover sole from British Columbia fisheries is listed as a "Good Alternative", due to concerns about bycatch of overfished and other at-risk species.
