Comparative osteology of the North Sea flatfishes (Teleostei; Pleuronectiformes)

Dierickx, K.; Wouters, W.

doi:/10.26028/cybium/2025-001

Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS)

Data Policy

Persons | Institutes | Publications | Projects | Datasets

[ report an error in this record ]

basket (0): add | show

Comparative osteology of the North Sea flatfishes (Teleostei; Pleuronectiformes)

Dierickx, K.; Wouters, W. (2025). Comparative osteology of the North Sea flatfishes (Teleostei; Pleuronectiformes). Cybium 49(1): 29-64. https://dx.doi.org/10.26028/cybium/2025-001

In: Cybium. Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: Paris. ISSN 0399-0974; e-ISSN 2101-0315

Available in	Authors
VLIZ: Open access 417916 [ download pdf ]

Keywords

Scophthalmidae Chabanaud, 1933 [WoRMS]; Soleidae Bonaparte, 1833 [WoRMS]

Author keywords

Pleuronectiformes; Pleuronectidae; comparative osteology

Authors		Top
Dierickx, K. Wouters, W.

Abstract

The identification of flatfish remains in archaeozoological studies has often been limited to higher taxonomic levels or species groups. Bones from disarticulated skeletons of eleven main commercial species of flatfish present in the North Sea were compared to define diagnostic criteria allowing species identification. Out of the thirty-four studied skeletal elements often recovered in archaeological assemblages, ten proved to be very reliable for genus and species identification and often allowed the distinction between right-eyed and left-eyed flounder. Fourteen elements have sufficient characteristics to differentiate all higher taxa but not all the genera and species. The remaining ten elements did not possess clear features to distinguish the different taxa. The diagnostic details of each element are summarised and illustrated, leading to a clear identification guide for this particular group of fishes. More precise species identifications can provide better insight in the zoogeographical distribution of flatfish and will be useful in detecting socio-economic and cultural changes throughout history.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy

Top | Authors

[Back]

Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS)

WoRMS

Using WoRMS

Tools

Connect with us