HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesFlatfishesSolesCryptic Sole Cryptic Sole (Aseraggodes crypticus) Scientific name: Aseraggodes crypticus Randall & Allen, 2007 The Cryptic Sole (Aseraggodes crypticus) is a marine fish of the family Soleidae. Native range: Eastern Indian Ocean, Christmas Island. BiologyDorsal soft rays (total): 76-79; Anal soft rays: 56 - 59; Vertebrae: 37. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 76-79 and A 56-59, all dorsal and anal rays branched except for first few dorsal rays; 70-76 lateral-line scales; 37 vertebrae; 12-13 dorsal pterygiophores anterior to fourth neural spine; body depth 2.2-2.45 in SL; head length (HL) 4.05-4.15 in SL; no caudal peduncle; snout length 2.85-2.9 in HL; eye diameter 5.35-5.9 in HL; interorbital space narrow, 12.4-17.2 in HL; longest dorsal ray 1.6-1.7 in HL; caudal fin 4.15 in SL; pelvic fins not connected to anal fin or genital papilla, reaching base of third anal ray, 1.9-2.0 in HL; most scales of body with 10-12 ctenii that project well beyond scale margin; ocular-side of snout is fully scaled, the scales progressively smaller anteriorly, the ctenii replaced anteriorly by small cirri; when fresh ocular side is mottled pale yellowish and light brown with many irregular dark brown blotches (Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameAseraggodes crypticusFamilySoleidae (Soles)OrderPleuronectiformes (Flatfishes)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length4.9Depth range15–25 m (49–82 ft)EnvironmentMarine; benthopelagic; depth range 15 - 25 mClimateTropicalDistributionEastern Indian Ocean: Christmas Island.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026