Fish Identification.

[Fishman Fishman]

Hello Everyone,

Today at Seal Beach pier a small shark was caught. I think it is a Horn shark. There was a large spine in front of the dorsal fin.

Also I'm trying to identify a fish that was caught. I'm thinking possibly a speckled sanddab or Fantail sole? Any help to identify is appreciated. Sorry for the less than perfect pictures.

Thank you.

 

[Brock Norris]

Im thinking sanddab and horned shark . catching always good . fished the beach between belmont pier and 72 st jetty wednesday red tide wastnt there all the yellow fin croaker you wanted on ghost shrimp

 

[Fishman Fishman]

Hi Brock,

Thanks for info. FYI. I followed your suggestion regarding halibut. I used Carolina rig and live smelt. Caught a short white sea bass between 16 to 18 inches and hooked into a ray that almost spooled me before breaking off. No halibut. But still fun!

 

[Fishman Fishman]

I'm leaning towards ID of fish as Fantail sole because of the two dark spots and long pectoral fin. If you zoom onto picture the long pectoral fin is easier to see. Thanks everyone for input so far!

 

[Ken Jones]

Definitely a horn shark and looks like a fantail sole. Fantail soles generally have two large, dark eyespots on the mid-line as well as many bluish to pale gray spots. In addition, the fish you are holding appears to be right eyed (the eyes are on top while facing right). All sanddabs are left eyed while fantail sole though normally left eyed, can also be right eyed.

Horn Shark — https://www.pierfishing.com/horn-shark/

Fantail Sole — https://www.pierfishing.com/fantail-sole/

Speckled Sanddab — https://www.pierfishing.com/speckled-sanddab/

C-O Sole/Turbot — https://www.pierfishing.com/c-o-turbot/

Diamond Turbot — https://www.pierfishing.com/diamond-turbot/

 

[Fishman Fishman]

Definitely a horn shark and looks like a fantail sole. Fantail soles generally have two large, dark eyespots on the mid-line as well as many bluish to pale gray spots. In addition, the fish you are holding appears to be right eyed (the eyes are on top while facing right). All sanddabs are left eyed while fantail sole though normally left eyed, can also be right eyed.

Horn Shark — https://www.pierfishing.com/horn-shark/

Fantail Sole — https://www.pierfishing.com/fantail-sole/

Speckled Sanddab — https://www.pierfishing.com/speckled-sanddab/

C-O Sole/Turbot — https://www.pierfishing.com/c-o-turbot/

Diamond Turbot — https:/www.pierfishing.com/diamond-turbot/

Thank you Ken. I initially went to the website when trying to ID fish. The website helped me ID the Horn shark and a tentative ID on the Fantail sole. I appreciate the confirmation you provided.

 

[fish-ninja]

Hello, do you have other pictures of the sole from different angle? I feel the shape of pectoral fin is one of the easiest ways to tell between fantail sole and sanddab. The former has much narrower and longer fin while the latter has shorter and broader fin. Speckled sanddab I catch around there are very small. If it is speckled sanddab, it is a big one you got! In any case, congratulations for your cool catch!

 

[Fishman Fishman]

Hello, do you have other pictures of the sole from different angle? I feel the shape of pectoral fin is one of the easiest ways to tell between fantail sole and sanddab. The former has much narrower and longer fin while the latter has shorter and broader fin. Speckled sanddab I catch around there are very small. If it is speckled sanddab, it is a big one you got! In any case, congratulations for your cool catch!

Hello Fish Ninja,

This is the only picture. The pectoral fin is large and narrow. If you zoom picture the fin is clearer. It is in my opinion a fantail sole. Thank you for your comments.

 

[fish-ninja]

Hello Fish Ninja,

This is the only picture. The pectoral fin is large and narrow. If you zoom picture the fin is clearer. It is in my opinion a fantail sole. Thank you for your comments.

I concur then that you've landed a fantail sole!