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Small sandab (Citharichthys platophrys) — Paralichthyidae

Small sandab

Citharichthys platophrys
LC · Least Concern

The Small sandab (Citharichthys platophrys) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
20.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The broadbrow sanddab is a small flatfish of the sand flounder family (Paralichthyidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a flattened, oval body with both eyes on the left side and a relatively broad space between the eyes, to which the name refers. It inhabits soft sand and mud bottoms, where it partly buries itself and as an ambush hunter springs on small benthic invertebrates and small fishes. It is sold fresh and locally processed into fishmeal. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Small sandab?

The Small sandab has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Small sandab live?

The Small sandab lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Small sandab get?

The Small sandab grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.

Is the Small sandab dangerous to humans?

No, the Small sandab is harmless to humans.

Is the Small sandab edible?

The Small sandab is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Breedvoorhoofd-zandbot sourced
English name
Small sandab verified
Scientific name
Citharichthys platophrys
Family
Paralichthyidae
Other names
Small sanddab verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.6 verified
Average length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Citharichthys

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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