Lepidorhombus sp.

Megrims

Two species of the genus Lepidorhombus are found in the study area, L. boscii and L. whiffiagonis.  Both are distributed from the northern African coasts north to the British Isles, with the distribution of L. boscii extending to Iceland.  L. whiffiagonis is found at depths of 400 m while L. boscii is found to approximately 800 m (Whitehead et al., 1986b).

The family Scophthalmidae are a flatfish with the eyes on the left side.  The base of both pelvic fins are elongate, the mouth large and the lower jaw prominant.  Lepidhorhombus sp. are usually benthic on soft bottoms altough they are occaisonally pelagic.  There is a distinct curve on the lateral line above the pectoral fins.  L. boscii has two distinct spots on both the dorsal and anal fin.  Size ranges up to 40 or 50 cm (Whitehead et al., 1986b).

The genus Lepidorhombus were recorded from the Conemara Field during the Caracole cruise of August 2001.

Some of the species within the family Scophthalmidae are of commercial importance (Whitehead et al., 1986b).     L. whiffiagonis appears to be of high commercial importance while L. boscii is less so.

There is more information available for these species in FishBase.

Prepared by: Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd www.ecoserve.ie