Fin's Fish Guide
The Sand Whiff (Citharichthys arenaceus) is a saltwater fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; bays, lagoons and shallow coastal waters.
Description
The sand whiff is a small flatfish of the family Paralichthyidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an oval, flattened body with both eyes on the left side and a sand-coloured, mottled eyed side that camouflages it on the bottom. It inhabits bays, lagoons and shallow coastal waters over soft bottoms, where it stays half-buried. As an ambush bottom hunter it seizes small crustaceans, worms and small fishes. Owing to its camouflage it is little noticed. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sand Whiff?
The Sand Whiff has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Both eyes on the left and sand-coloured camouflage; camouflaged ambush bottom hunter.
Where does the Sand Whiff live?
The Sand Whiff lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; bays, lagoons and shallow coastal waters.
How big does the Sand Whiff get?
The Sand Whiff grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Sand Whiff dangerous to humans?
No, the Sand Whiff is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sand Whiff edible?
The Sand Whiff is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Sand Whiff?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sand Whiff is one of 12,519 species in the app.