|PISCES : PLEURONECTIFORMES : Pleuronectidae||BONY FISH|
Description: The dab is similar in shape to the plaice and
flounder and also has both eyes on the right-hand side of the
body. The upper surface is usually pale brown in colour with
scattered darker blotches and speckles, however the pectoral
fins may be orange. The most distinctive characteristic of the
dab is the lateral line which has a strong semi-circular curve
above the pectoral fin. This species rarely grows to over 40cm
long and most individuals are less than 30cm. Habitat: The dab
lives mainly on sandy seabeds and is usually encountered at
depths between 20-40m. It feeds on brittlestars, small sea-
urchins, hermit-crabs, amphipods, worms, molluscs and sand-eels.
Distribution: Common all around the coasts of Britain and
Ireland, particularly in the North Sea. Similar Species: The dab
is similar in overall appearance to the plaice and flounder but
can be distinguished by the characteristic shape of the lateral
line. Key Identification Features: Di