Common dab

D-Kliesche; GB-Common dab; DK-Ising; PL-Zimnica; LT-Gelsvapelekė plekšnė; LV-Gludā limanda; EST-Soomuslest; RU-Ершоватка; FIN-Hietakampela; S-Sandskädda

Characters

1) Mouth small (about as long as eye diameter).
2) Long caudal peduncle.
3) Lateral line with distinct curve above pectoral fin.
●) Both eyes on right side of body.
●) Body surface light or dark brown, often with unregular dark and red-orange spots and dots; blind side white.
Usually below 30 cm, max. up to 40 cm length.

Similar species

Flounder - bony tubercles along bases of dorsal and anal fins; lateral line hardly curved.

Plaice - bony tubercles posterior of eyes; lateral line hardly curved.

Lemon sole - short caudal peduncle; lateral line only slightly curved.

Long rough dab - Mouth larger; lateral line only slightly curved.

Biology

Bottom-living on sandy grounds in 5 to 200 m depth. Spawns in the Baltic Sea during the summer months.

Diet

Feeds on small fish and bottom-living organsims like crustaceans and brittle stars.

Importance

Commercially used; often processed to filets.