Dab

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About Dab
The dab, also called limanda limanda is the smallest flatfish and it is usually found in shell grits or in sandy places, generally offshore. Dab’s dimensions are very small: four hundred fifty grams and twenty three centimeters. The dab has a remarkable flatten body which helps him lay properly. It has a moistly flesh which has a sandy color and helps the fish to hide from the predators. The fish usually hides in the sand so it can’t be seen. The small lateral fins rail the dab’s body from the head to the tail and they have only one anal fin. The dab has two small, round eyes which are very close one another. Generally the dab is very similar to a brill except is much smaller. Dabs feed on algae and other aquatic organisms. The protusible eyes help the dab to adapt to the underwater world. Dabs have the ability to camouflage themselves on the ocean’s sandy bed. The dab has a definite lateral line that curves over the pectoral fin on the eyed side. When lying over sand dabs take on a profound grey coloring and some dabs turn a definite shade of mixed green while the belly is white.

It has a sweet, delicately moist flesh that's quite low in fat. Sand dabs are marketed whole and usually range from 4 to 12 ounces. They can be prepared by almost any cooking method including baking, broiling, poaching and sautéing.