Sand Dab

Among the smaller varieties of the flatfish [sometimes brought to market at under 10 inches (25 cm)], the sand dab has otherwise typical flatfish characteristics; that is, a flat body with eyes on one side of its head. The Pacific sand dab is grayish brown with sparse black speckles, whereas the Atlantic variety is a deeper brown with slimy skin.

Most sand dabs found on the North American market are caught through bottom trawling along the U.S. and Canadian west coasts. In the United Kingdom the sand dab is also harvested primarily through bottom trawling; however, the habitat-respectful hook-and-line method is gaining in popularity. For culinary purposes the sand dab is too small to fillet, so the common dressing method is simply to scale the fish then cut away the head and internal organs. The flavor of this fish is buttery and sweet.