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🌊 Dab
A small, common flatfish and a reliable UK shore-fishing catch over clean sand, popular as both a target species and a good eating fish despite its modest average size.
Identification
A right-eyed flatfish with a distinctly rough, sandpaper-like texture to the skin (caused by tiny scales with backward-pointing spines), and a strongly curved lateral line near the head, a clear distinguishing feature from flounder and plaice.
UK habitat
Common over clean sand around most of the UK coastline, a dependable catch from beaches and piers, particularly on light tackle fished hard on the bottom over sandy ground.