California Halibut

Paralichthys californicus

In the sheltered waters of lagoons and estuaries, little fish grow up to be big fish, and that includes the kind of fish we like to eat. The California halibut is a large, flat, bottom-dwelling flounder. Commercially, it is often mislabeled as Pacific halibut, but it has a smaller range than its popular cousin, and is vulnerable to overfishing.

Fun Fact:
San Elijo Lagoon provides a nursery for commercially-important fishes, such as the California halibut.

What’s for Lunch:
Fishes and squids

Where’s Home:
San Elijo Lagoon while growing up; sandy ocean bottoms as an adult