sanddab

sand dab n.

Any of several small food fishes of the genus Citharichthys of Pacific waters, related to and resembling the flounders.

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▪ fish

      any of certain edible, American Pacific flatfishes of the genus Citharichthys (family Paralichthyidae). As in other flatfishes, sanddabs have both eyes on the same side of the head; as in other paralichthyids, the eyes are usually on the left side. The most common species of sanddab is the Pacific sanddab (C. sordidus), a brownish fish mottled, in the male, with dull orange. It grows to about 40 cm (16 inches) and 1 kg (2 pounds).

      The name is also sometimes used for the American plaice, known in Europe as the rough dab (see plaice), and various other flatfishes.

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