Freshwater Sole - Darwin 6cm

Freshwater Sole 

The freshwater sole will be a true collector's species for the aquarists looking to add an oddball fish to their aquarium. This fully freshwater fish is a close relative of the saltwater flounder and is also native to Australia making it an awesome option for an Aussie river biotope style aquarium. They have slowly been rising in popularity as people come to learn the care requirements for such an eye-catching fish which can offer hours of enjoyment from their quirky aesthetic and behaviour. 

Freshwater Sole are unlike any other fish seen in the aquarium hobby; their body is turned over so they can be completely horizontal to the ground instead of lateral like most fish. The easiest way to describe their body shape would be comparing it to the anatomy of a stingray were both eyes are on one side of the body. Freshwater sole reach around 30 cm long and have a flat but lengthy body while closely resembles the sole of a foot. The colouration of the freshwater sole is a mix of browns, greys, whites and blacks which are randomly speckled through the skin to make this fish look totally like sand. When kept on a similar coloured sandy substrate these fish will look near invisible and can actually burrow under the sand for protection as well. 

The freshwater sole is also a totally peaceful fish that only ever prey on insects and small crustaceans, they can be kept in a community aquarium fish peaceful fish that will now outcompete the shy nature of this bottom-dwelling species. Being a fish that is naturally found in the northern territory of Australia, the freshwater sole is a tropical species that is best kept in a temperature range of 24-28 degrees. There is also no recorded information about their breeding habits or distinguishing the difference between males and females which makes captive breeding a very difficult task. These fish can be kept as solitary species but will also get along with others of their kind. 

Tank Recommendations for your Freshwater Sole

The freshwater sole will reach around 30 cm long and have an oval-like aesthetic to it when fully grown. They also require a decent footprint in the aquarium because of their size and exclusively bottom-dwelling behavior. Because of this, it is best to keep them in an aquarium that is a minimum of 200 liters, this also allows for the option to keep other tank mates.

The length and width of their aquarium have a greater impact than the total height which makes the freshwater sole a great fish to add to shallow or ‘low boy’ aquariums. The substrate choice is fairly important for this fish, it is best to keep them on a soft, sandy substrate as this allows for them to bury themselves under the sand if required. The freshwater sole will also prefer the PH to be between 7.0 - 8.0.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The freshwater sole can be a reclusive fish with slow and cautionary behaviour. Because of this behaviour they can be outcompeted by larger or fast tank mates. The freshwater sole themselves however are very peaceful and can get along with a range of tank mates. 

Usually Compatible

Lemon tetras, gourami, blue eye Rainbowfish species, peacock gudgeons and similar small fish. 

Sometimes Compatible

Red Rainbowfish, spangled perch, archer fish, black widow tetras, tiger barbs, geophagus and similar fish that may outcompete the sole during feeding time. 

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as rainbow sharks, tandanus catfish, or larger mouthed community fish which may pester, prey or certainly outcompete the freshwater sole.

Feeding your Freshwater Sole

The freshwater sole should begin to feed quite easily once it has settled into the aquarium, however care should be taken to ensure that it eats. They should accept pellets and other prepared aquarium foods that can sink however feeding them a mix of frozen and live invertebrate style foods would be best. The ideal diet would be a good quality, nano sinking pellet supplemented with frozen bloodworms or Mysis shrimp or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or black worms