Fin's Fish Guide
The Bay whiff (Citharichthys spilopterus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, on soft sand and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; juveniles go far into brackish water.
Description
The bay whiff is a small, oval flatfish of the family Paralichthyidae reaching about 21 cm. Like all flatfish the larva starts symmetrical and tilts onto the bottom as it grows; in this species both eyes lie on the left side. The upper side is brown with dark spots and matches the colour of the bottom, the underside white. The species lives buried on soft sand and mud bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons along the western Atlantic coast; juveniles range far into brackish water. As an ambush hunter it takes small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its small size it is mainly a prey fish and bycatch, not targeted by fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bay whiff?
The Bay whiff has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, oval flatfish with both eyes on the left side; brown with small dark spots and able to match its colour to the bottom.
Where does the Bay whiff live?
The Bay whiff lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, on soft sand and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; juveniles go far into brackish water.
How big does the Bay whiff get?
The Bay whiff grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Bay whiff dangerous to humans?
No, the Bay whiff is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bay whiff edible?
The Bay whiff is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Citharichthys
More from the family Paralichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Bay whiff?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bay whiff is one of 12,519 species in the app.