Abstract:
Dover and rex sole larvae attain an exceptionally large size and have a long pelagic life. Dover sole
larvae (9-65 mm standard length) were collected in mid-water trawls and plankton nets during all
months of the year. Judging from growth of larvae and occurrence in bottom trawls of recently
metamorphosed juveniles, Dover sole are pelagic during their first year of life. Large larvae (50-65 mm
standard length) are probably pelagic for over a year and few apparently are recruited to benthic
populations. Dover sole larvae were most common in oceanic waters beyond the continental slope and
in the upper 50 m of the water column.
The rex sole larvae captured were 5-89 mm long. Average size and stage of development of larvae
increased from March through February, and juveniles were common on the bottom during winter on
the outer shelf. Thus the pelagic phase usually lasts about a year. Both rex and Dover sole may utilize
the outer continental shelf-upper slope region for a nursery during early benthic life.
Petrale sole larvae (10-22 mm standard length) were rare. They were collected only from March to
June and appear to have a pelagic life of about 6 mo. Age-group 0 juveniles, uncommon in bottom trawl
collections, were only captured on the inner continental shelf in the fall.
