Sanddab
Citharichthys spp
- On view
- Monterey Bay Habitats
- Animal type
- Fishes
- Ecosystem
- Sandy seafloor
- Relatives
- Halibut, sole, flounders Phylum: Chordata; Family: Bothidae
- Diet
- Worms, shrimp, squid, fishes
- Range
- Alaska to Baja California
- Size
- Some species grow to 16 inches long (40.6 cm), while others rarely reach 6 inches (15.2 cm)
Meet the sanddab
Like other flatfishes, sanddabs spend their lives lying on their sides. Shuffling into the sand, they cover themselves—often until only their eyes protrude. Both predators and prey (not to mention Aquarium visitors) often overlook these masters of camouflage.
Conservation
A popular food fish in California, larger sanddabs are taken by sport and commercial fishermen. Most commercial sanddab is fished with bottom trawl; gear that can have negative impacts on the marine environment.
Cool facts
- Sanddabs and other flatfishes are quick-change artists. More convincing than a chameleon, they change colors and patterns to match their surroundings.
Up next in sandy seafloor
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Sea pen
A graceful creature of the seafloor, this sea pen resembles a plump, old-fashioned quill pen.
Keep exploring
Animal
Bat ray
A bat ray flaps its batlike wings to swim through the water to help it uncover prey hiding in the sand.