Psettichthys melanostictus Girard, 1854
Pacific sand sole
Psettichthys melanostictus
photo by Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

Family:  Pleuronectidae (Righteye flounders), subfamily: Pleuronectinae
Max. size:  63 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 325 m
Distribution:  Eastern and Western Pacific: The Bering Sea coast of Alaska, near the Aleutian Islands (Ref. 27436) to the West Bering Sea and to Redondo Beach, southern California, USA.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 72-88; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 53-66; Vertebrae: 37-39. Dorsal origin above point in front of eye. Caudal rounded. Pectorals small.
Biology:  Inhabits sandy bottoms. Feeds on fishes, worms, crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 6885).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 September 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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