Unicorn Sole
(Aesopia cornuta)

Description

Unicorn Sole: A Unique Marine Challenge

The Unicorn Sole (*Aesopia cornuta*) is a fascinating marine flatfish, notable for its distinctive appearance and preference for sandy or muddy seafloors.

Overview

The Unicorn Sole is characterized by its flattened, elongated body, typically greyish or brown, adorned with 15-16 dark, black-edged bars across its body. Its caudal fin is blackish with pale spots, and it possesses a unique first dorsal ray resembling a “horn,” giving it its common name. This species maintains a bottom-dwelling lifestyle, blending seamlessly with its substrate.

Care Level

The Unicorn Sole is an extremely challenging species, as there are no verified reports of it being successfully kept long-term in home aquariums. Its specific needs and large adult size make it unsuitable for most private setups. This fish is best admired in its natural habitat or in highly specialized public aquariums, promoting responsible fishkeeping.

Tank Essentials

Given its substantial size and specialized bottom-dwelling nature, the Unicorn Sole requires an extremely large, mature marine aquarium, with a minimum recommended size of 2000 Litres. Provide a soft, sandy substrate for burrowing and ample open space. Maintaining stable, pristine marine water parameters is crucial for any attempt at its care.

Diet

In the wild, the Unicorn Sole is a benthic feeder, consuming crustaceans, small fish, fish larvae, invertebrates, shrimps, and various worms and zoobenthos. In captivity, a varied diet of high-quality frozen and live marine foods, designed to sink to the bottom, would be essential to meet its dietary needs.

Why Buy From Us

While the Unicorn Sole is not typically offered for sale due to its specialized needs, we are committed to providing healthy aquarium fish and accurate information. When you buy fish online from Corais de Vidro, you receive ethically sourced aquatic life with expert guidance, ensuring a responsible approach to your aquarium journey.

• Scientific Name: *Aesopia cornuta*
• Common Name / Variant: Unicorn Sole
• Maximum Size: 25 cm
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Red Sea, India, Japan, Australia)
• pH Range: [data unavailable]
• Temperature: 22–27°C
• Lifespan: [data unavailable]
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Explore our range of suitable marine species and start your healthy aquarium journey today!