Species profiles: life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (Pacific Southwest): Pacific and speckled sanddabs

Pacific sanddab Citharichthys sordidus and speckled sanddab Citharichthys stigmaeus are common along the California coast from the intertidal zone to depths of 306 m. Pacific sanddabs spawn from July-September, speckled sanddabs from April-September. Average life span is 8-10 yr in Pacific sanddabs, 3-4 yr in speckled sanddabs. Females of both species live longer than males. Female Pacific sanddabs attain sexual maturity at age 3, female speckled sanddabs at age 2. Postlarvae feed on zooplankton; adults eat a variety of crustaceans and fish. Both species prefer sandy bottoms. -from Authors