(Microstomas Pacificus)

Availability
Year round.

Depth of catch
As deep as 600 fathoms (3,600 feet).

Characteristics
The excellent quality of the flesh and its good keeping qualities in frozen storage have made Dover Sole one of the more important fishes in this category on the Pacific coast. It lives from northern Baja California to the Bering Sea. The flesh of the Dover Sole ranges in color from cream to white and has a delicate texture. Fillets that are excessively milky or gelatinous are commonly called "Deep Water Dover," even though they may not have been caught in deep water. Above this level there is a range of fillet textures that are perfectly acceptable. If you think you have a problem with the texture of your fillets, talk to your distributor.

Range of shelf life
Three to 7 days, depending on the quality of handling the fish has received.

How to store
Whole fish should be buried in ice with the belly cavity full of ice, since this is where deterioration happens most quickly. Adding ice to the belly slows this enzymatic process.