Pacific Sanddab
Citharichthys sordidus
Also known as: Sanddab; Mottled Sanddab
Size & Weight
Average Length
9.6"
Max Length
16.0"
Average Weight
0.3 lbs
Max Weight
2.0 lbs
Lifespan
10 years
Habitat
Depth Range
30 - 1800 ft
Water Temp
48-55°F
Sandy bottoms; moderate depth; common
Behavior
Spawning Season
Year-round
Migration: Some seasonal depth movement
Diet: Worms; small crustaceans; fish eggs
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round
Techniques: Bottom fishing; pier fishing
Best Bait: Small pieces of worm; shrimp
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; sweet; small but tasty
State Records
Washington
1.22
lbs
Fun Facts
Left-eyed; very common; popular panfish; small but good eating
How to Identify
Small right-eyed flatfish; found sandy bottoms; scaleless smooth appearance
Commonly Confused With
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Official Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 9.6 |