Citharichthys stigmaeus, also known as speckled sanddab, is a species of flatfish native to the eastern Pacific Ocean. Specimens of this species are found from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. It inhabits sandy and gravel bottoms in nearshore waters, usually to depths of 60-100 meters, but occasionally to 350 meters.
The body of adult Citharichthys stigmaeus is strongly flattened laterally, and like all soles lives attached to the seafloor substrate. The left side of the body is the side we can see of this fish. Juveniles become laterally flattened, and their right eye migrates to the left side of the body. Therefore, adult Citharichthys stigmaeus have both eyes on the left side of the body. On the other hand, the right side will always remain in contact with the substrate. As for the length they can reach, it is not a very large species, with a maximum length of 17-19 cm and a record weight of 450 grams. Females are somewhat larger than males.
The left side of the body of Citharichthys stigmaeus is tan to olive green in color, with a multitude of brown, gray and/or black speckles that give it a mottled appearance. The side of the body that remains in contact with the substrate is a pale cream color. In male specimens, we can observe some orange tones between its spots. Citharichthys stigmaeus has the ability to adapt not only its coloration, but also its pattern, to suit the environment.
Citharichthys stigmaeus has some characteristic features of its body, such as its eyes have a size less than or equal to the length of its snout. Its eyes do not have a bony crest, a characteristic feature of other sole species. The dorsal fin runs from behind the right eye to the base of the caudal fin, and consists of between 76 and 97 rays. The anal fin is somewhat shorter and has between 58 and 77 rays. The pectoral fin on the visible side of the body when extended projects slightly towards the front of the body, without reaching the back of the eyes. The caudal fin has a slightly rounded shape. We will note that the lateral line of this species runs almost straight from the base of the operculum to the base of the caudal fin of the specimen.
The diet of Citharichthys stigmaeus consists mainly of small crustaceans, polychaetes, molluscs and small fish. They can feed in mid-water, although most often they feed unnoticed on the bottom and surprise their prey when they pass around them.
The reproduction of Citharichthys stigmaeus occurs throughout the year, but is more frequent in winter and spring. Eggs are pelagic and hatch after about 10 days. The larvae are symmetrical and have one eye on each side of the head. As they grow, the right eye migrates to the left side and the fish becomes asymmetrical. Juveniles settle to the bottom when they reach about 2 centimeters in length.
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