Fin's Fish Guide
The Common dab (Limanda limanda) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Northeast Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to the White Sea, including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, on sandy bottoms.
Description
The common dab is a small flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae reaching about 40 cm but usually smaller. Like other right-eyed flatfish both eyes lie on the right side, which is yellow-brown with faint dark spots; the blind underside is white. Characteristic are the strongly curved lateral line above the pectoral fin and the rough-feeling upper side due to fine spiny scales. The species lives on sandy bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic, from shallow water to about 150 metres. On the bottom it hunts worms, shellfish, brittle stars and small crustaceans. The common dab is a common and commercially valued food fish with fine flesh, often eaten fried.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common dab?
The Common dab has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small flatfish with both eyes on the right and a strongly curved lateral line above the pectoral fin; the upper side feels rough due to fine spiny scales.
Where does the Common dab live?
The Common dab lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to the White Sea, including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, on sandy bottoms.
How big does the Common dab get?
The Common dab grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Common dab dangerous to humans?
No, the Common dab is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common dab edible?
Yes, the Common dab is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common dab and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Limanda
More from the family Pleuronectidae
Want the complete picture on the Common dab?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common dab is one of 12,519 species in the app.