Diamond Turbot

Pleuronichthys guttulatus

The diamond turbot is a flatfish belonging to the Pleuronectidae family, easily recognized by its dark green coloration adorned with light blue spots. It can grow to a length of up to 46 centimeters. This species inhabits the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, ranging from Cape Mendocino in California to Baja California in Mexico, with an isolated population in the Gulf of California. Preferring sandy or muddy bottoms, it is often found in bays and sloughs at depths between 1 and 20 meters, although it can be found as deep as 50 meters. The diamond turbot is a diurnal feeder, primarily consuming benthic invertebrates. Its diet includes polychaetes, mollusks, and shrimps. As a pelagic spawner, the diamond turbot releases its eggs into the open water, where they develop and hatch. Divers encountering the diamond turbot may find it resting on the seabed, blending in with its surroundings due to its coloration. It is harmless to humans and is not of interest to fisheries. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.