Speckled Sanddab

Overview

The speckled sanddab (Citharichthys stigmaeus) is a small, left-eyed flatfish native to the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is commonly found in benthic environments, ranging from shallow coastal waters and bays to deeper offshore areas.

Distribution & habitat

This species is distributed along the North American coast from Montague Island, Alaska, south to Bahia Magdalena in Baja California, Mexico. It prefers sandy or muddy substrates where it can remain partially buried for camouflage. While it inhabits a wide range of depths, it is frequently encountered in nearshore areas.

Appearance

As a left-eyed flounder, both eyes are positioned on the left side of its head. The eyed side typically features a speckled olive-brown or tan coloration, which helps the fish blend into the seafloor, while the blind side is cream or white. Adults are relatively small, generally reaching lengths of up to 17–19 cm. They possess a rounded caudal fin and a body shape that is relatively deep or short.

Biology & behavior

Speckled sanddabs are non-migratory, demersal ambush predators that spend much of their time resting on the substrate. They are capable of changing their skin color to match their surroundings. Their population density can fluctuate seasonally, often peaking during spring and summer months. They are daytime feeders and have a lifespan of approximately four years.

Feeding

These fish are active predators that consume a variety of small prey, including crustaceans and small fish.

Reproduction

This species is oviparous and employs external fertilization. Females are known to spawn multiple times throughout a prolonged breeding season, releasing thousands of eggs into the water column.