Species learning profile
Common dab
Limanda limanda
Common dab (Limanda limanda) is a saltwater fish associated with demersal habitat in Europe. A strongly curved lateral line arches above its pectoral fin.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau salée
- Habitat
- Fond marin
- Longueur maximale
- 40 cm
- Répartition
- Europe
- Famille
- Pleuronectidae
- Ordre
- Pleuronectiformes
Observe
How to identify Common dab
- A strongly curved lateral line arches above its pectoral fin.
- Guide context: demersal habitat in Europe.
- Reported maximum length: 40 cm — up to about the length of a guitar. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with demersal habitat across Europe. It lives on or close to the bottom, where sediment, rock, depth, and bottom-dwelling prey matter most.
Behavior
Lives on sandy continental-shelf bottoms
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Worms, crustaceans, and small fish.
Ecological role
A common link between benthic prey and larger fish.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Common dab peut atteindre environ 40 cm et vit souvent près de Fond marin.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Bottom-associated fish can be affected by seafloor disturbance, bycatch, warming, and changes to benthic prey.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Common dab in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections