California halibut
California halibut (Paralichthys californicus), also known as the California flounder, is a distinctive species of large-tooth flounder native to the Pacific Coast of North America.
Distribution and Habitat[edit | edit source]
The California halibut can be found in the waters extending from the Quillayute River in Washington state down to the Magdalena Bay in Baja California. Unlike the larger Pacific halibut, which can roam deeper waters and reach weights of up to 300 pounds (140 kg), the California halibut typically weighs between 6 to 50 pounds (3 to 23 kg). They are predominantly found inshore, swimming freely near coastlines.
Diet and Behavior[edit | edit source]
As top-level predators, California halibuts employ stealth tactics to hunt their prey. They primarily feed on smaller fishes and crustaceans. Due to their ambush style of hunting, they tend to remain hidden under sandy or gravelly bottoms, camouflaging with their surroundings.
Physical Characteristics[edit | edit source]
One of the most fascinating aspects of the California halibut is its eye migration. Starting life as an upright fry with one eye on each side of its body, as it matures into an adult, one eye migrates to the other side, resulting in both eyes being on its upward-facing side when it lies on the ocean floor. While most flatfish species are strictly either right-eyed or left-eyed, the California halibut showcases an approximate even distribution of both types.
Fishing[edit | edit source]
Due to its delectable taste, the California halibut is highly sought after by anglers. Sport fishers generally employ light fishing gear coupled with live baits, including anchovies, sardines, squid, mackerel, and queenfish. Some also use plastic lures and "lead heads" to entice the fish.
Most fishing occurs from boats in coastal regions, specifically in waters ranging from 10 to 80 feet deep. However, some anglers also fish from the shore or use kayaks, especially in shallow areas. Slow trolling and drift fishing are the preferred techniques for bait presentation.
Conservation Status[edit | edit source]
While the current conservation status of the California halibut is not critically evaluated, it is essential for anglers to follow regional guidelines and fishing regulations to ensure the sustainability of the species.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD