Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigmouth sanddab (Citharichthys gilberti) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Tropical eastern Pacific along the coast from Mexico to Peru; in shallow coastal water and estuaries.
Description
The bigmouth sanddab is a small left-eyed flatfish of the family Paralichthyidae found in the tropical eastern Pacific from Mexico to Peru. Reaching about 20 cm, it has both eyes on the left side of the body and a notably large mouth. The sandy-brown, mottled upper side provides camouflage on the sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal waters and estuaries. A bottom dweller, it often lies partly buried and ambushes small crustaceans, worms and fishes. It is harmless to humans and only rarely taken for food.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigmouth sanddab?
The Bigmouth sanddab has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Left-eyed flounder with both eyes on the left flank and a conspicuously large mouth; lies buried on sandy and silty bottoms in shallow coastal water.
Where does the Bigmouth sanddab live?
The Bigmouth sanddab lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Tropical eastern Pacific along the coast from Mexico to Peru; in shallow coastal water and estuaries.
How big does the Bigmouth sanddab get?
The Bigmouth sanddab grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Bigmouth sanddab dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigmouth sanddab is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Bigmouth sanddab edible?
The Bigmouth sanddab is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Citharichthys
More from the family Paralichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigmouth sanddab?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigmouth sanddab is one of 12,519 species in the app.