Pacific sanddab

Pacific Sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) is a species of flatfish that is native to the northern Pacific Ocean. It is a popular food fish along the west coast of North America, from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to the southern tip of Baja California.

Description

The Pacific Sanddab is a small, flat fish with a light brown to dark brown color on its upper side and a white underside. It has a long, slender body with a large, rounded head and a small mouth. The eyes are located on the right side of the body, which is typical for flatfish. The Pacific Sanddab can reach a length of up to 41 cm, but most individuals are much smaller.

Habitat and Distribution

The Pacific Sanddab is found in the northern Pacific Ocean, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to the southern tip of Baja California in Mexico. It inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms at depths ranging from 10 to 550 meters. The Pacific Sanddab is a demersal species, meaning it lives and feeds on or near the bottom of the sea.

Diet

The diet of the Pacific Sanddab consists mainly of small invertebrates, such as crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. It is also known to eat small fish.

Commercial Importance

The Pacific Sanddab is a popular food fish in the United States, especially in California. It is caught primarily by trawling, a method of fishing that involves dragging a net along the sea floor. The flesh of the Pacific Sanddab is light, delicate, and mildly flavored, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Conservation Status

The Pacific Sanddab is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all marine species, it is affected by human activities such as overfishing and habitat destruction.

See Also

• Flatfish
• Pacific Ocean
• Trawling