Gulf sanddab facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gulf sanddab |
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The Gulf sanddab (scientific name: Citharichthys fragilis) is a type of flatfish that belongs to the large-tooth flounder family. These interesting fish are known for having both of their eyes on one side of their head!
You can find the Gulf sanddab in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They live along the coast, from Manhattan Beach, California in the north, all the way down to the Gulf of California in the south.
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What Does the Gulf Sanddab Look Like?
The Gulf sanddab is a small fish. It usually grows to be about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) long. That's roughly the length of a small smartphone!
This fish has a brownish color. Its body and fins have darker patches, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. The underside of the Gulf sanddab is a pale, lighter color.
Its Unique Eyes
Like other large-tooth flounders, the Gulf sanddab has a very special feature: both of its eyes are on the left side of its head. This helps it see while lying flat on the ocean floor.
Where Does the Gulf Sanddab Live?
The Gulf sanddab is a bottom-dwelling marine fish. This means it lives close to the seabed, not swimming freely in the open water. It prefers to live in tropical waters.
You can find these fish on sandy bottoms. They live at different depths, from about 18 meters (60 feet) to 347 meters (1,138 feet) deep. That's quite a range!
What Does the Gulf Sanddab Eat?
The Gulf sanddab is a predator. It hunts for its food on the ocean floor. Its diet mainly includes:
- Small crustaceans, like tiny crabs or shrimp.
- Bottom-dwelling worms.
- Other small bony fish.
Is the Gulf Sanddab Important to People?
The Gulf sanddab is sometimes caught by people who enjoy fishing. However, it is not a major fish for commercial fishing. This means it's not caught in large numbers to be sold in stores.
