Family Paralichthyidae - sanddabs & halibut
Paralichthyids are usually left-eyed and have been closely allied with the the bothid family (left-eyed flounders). They are common to tropical and temperate oceans of the world. Most species average 30 cm in length but support large commercial fisheries in many locales. They live on the bottom substrate and prey on smaller fishes and crustaceans.
Pacific sanddab- Citharichthys sordidus
Remarks: A common flatfish just outside the bay where it is commercially fished. Although not found with frequency in the bay it is considered a good food fish. While in the bay it generally occupies the channels and mud flats eating small fishes and invertebrates.
Identification: The eyes and nearly uniform brownish coloration are on the left side. Pacific sanddabs have a straight lateral line with the mouth ending about mideye. Maximum size is 41cm.
Range: Bering Sea to southern Baja, over sandy substrates to about 549m.
Speckled sanddab- Citharichthys stigmaeus
Remarks: This left-eyed flatfish is a resident year round in the bay but not sought by sportfishers due to its small size. Residing in the channels and flats it is both predator and prey.
Identification: Eyes are on the left side which is brown in color with many small darker spots. Size is quite small reaching a total length of 17cm. Any small left eyed flatfish with many dark spots caught in the bay is probably this species.
Range: Alaska to southern Baja out to 366m.
California halibut- Paralichthys californicus
Remarks: A large left-eyed flatfish but not too common to the bay. While in the bay this fish will occupy the channels and deeper regions of the mud flats. An effective predator as it matures and highly prized for its food value. Live bait is very effective for taking these fish.
Identification: Eyes and its tan coloration are normally on the left side but at times on the right side. The lateral line has an arch over the pectoral fin and extends to the caudal fin. Sizes of this valuable fish may exceed 1.5m.
Range: Northern Washington to Baja. Can be found within the coastal bays but more common on the continental shelf to 183m.