Dab

Dab (Pleuronectes limanda), one of the commonest of the Flat-fish (q.v.), found on all the Northern coasts of Europe. It is rarely more than a foot long; the general hue of the upper surface is light brown with dark spots. It frequents smooth, sandy bays and feeds on small marine animals. The flesh is better flavoured than that of the plaice or flounder. P. microcephalus, the Smear, Lemon, or Smooth Dab, ranging to Scandinavia and Iceland, is rather larger, and is also valued for the table.