Can grow to 35 cm total length. Resembles C. guntheri (Brill) and C. nudipinnis (Turbot) in the possession of a rostral hook, which in this case covers the mouth entirely on the eyed side.It also had a long filamentous ray on the upper pectoral fin. There are several species of Sole, which can be hard to tell apart.

Inhabits shallow waters, generally at depth of less than 50 m. Juveniles gather in sheltered inshore waters, such as estuarine areas, shallow mudflats and sandflats, where they remain for up to two years. It is nocturnal and much more abundant in the South than in the North.

Feeds on amphipods (sandhoppers), crabs and shrimps.

As with most flatfish NZ Sole have a rapid growth rate and a high population turnover. Making them an ideal fish for commercial fishing.

Manikiam J. S., 1969. A Guide to the flatfishes (Order Heterosomata) of New Zealand. Tuatara vol 17 (3). p 118-129. http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/summary/speciessummary.php?id=8849 (accessed 07/05/13)