The Bigmouth Sanddab (Citharichthys gilberti) is a small, right-eyed flatfish found primarily along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America, particularly from the Gulf of California to Peru. Known for its sandy coloration and broad mouth, this species inhabits soft-bottom coastal waters and is often caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries targeting shrimp and other demersal species. The top countries harvesting Bigmouth Sanddab are Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, where the fish is utilized both for local consumption and as part of mixed flatfish landings. While not a primary target species, its abundance and ease of capture make it a notable component of the regional small-scale and industrial fishing industries, contributing to local economies and food security.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 7 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.