Flounder & Flatfish
California Halibut
Paralichthys californicus
SaltwaterParalichthyidaeNot Evaluated
About
The California Halibut is a left-eyed flatfish, meaning both eyes are typically on the left side of its body as an adult. It is an ambush predator, lying camouflaged on the seafloor waiting for prey to swim by.
- Average size
- 20-30 inches, 10-30 lbs (can reach over 5 feet and 70 lbs)
- Colors
- Brown, olive, or sandy colored on the eyed side; white on the blind side. They can change color to match their surroundings.
- Diet
- Primarily feeds on other fish (anchovies, sardines, croaker), crustaceans (crab, shrimp), and squid.
- Region
- Pacific Coast of North America, from Washington to Baja California