Pacific sanddab
📖 Overview
Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Paralichthyidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 41 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 549 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, valued as a sport fish.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 86 - 102; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 67 - 81; Vertebrae: 38 - 40. Caudal rounded; pectorals rather large and pointed . Eyed side dull brown or tan irregularly mottled with dark; Dorsal, anal, caudal and anal fins black; blind side white to pale brown . Freshly caught males with dull orange spots and blotches . Young light olive green on eyed side, finely and sparsely speckled with brown, black, and orange, especially on fins .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific sanddab is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 549 m , usually 15 - ? m . Temperate; 60°N - 22°N, 177°E - 109°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pacific sanddab is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 528 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pacific sanddab has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Pacific Sanddab |
| 🇫🇷French | limande sordide |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Cytara czarna |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Грязный цитарихт · Камбала песчаная |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | lenguado moteado |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 太平洋副棘鮃 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metoponops cooperi | Gill | 1864 | Synonym |
| Psettichthys sordidus | Girard | 1854 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 33 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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