Family: Soleidae, Soles view all from this family

Description To 6" (15 cm). Depth more than half length, eyes on right side; dusky usually with 7-8 narrow, black bars; fins have dark streaks or spots, particularly in juveniles; blind side white, often partly pigmented. Head blunt; mouth and eyes very small; preopercular margin hidden. No pectoral fins; right pelvic fin connected to anal fin; dorsal fin origin over snout, first ray shortest. Lateral line visible as nearly straight, narrow, dark stripe; no dermal flaps; scales small, strongly ctenoid.

Habitat Shallow coastal waters over mud, silt, or sand in bays and estuaries; occasionally in fresh water.

Range Along coast from Maine to Yucatan, including Gulf of Mexico.

Discussion Young Hogchokers ascend streams for distances of 150 miles (240 km) or more. However, spawning takes place in the estuaries.