Cilus gilberti

Cilus gilberti is a species of fish in the family Cilidae. It is commonly known as the California tonguefish. This species is endemic to the Pacific Ocean, specifically the coastal waters of California and Baja California.

Description

The Cilus gilberti is a flat, oval-shaped fish with a small head and a large mouth. The body color is typically brown or gray, with a lighter underside. The maximum recorded length of this species is 30 cm, but most individuals are smaller.

Habitat and Distribution

The Cilus gilberti is found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, from the San Francisco Bay in California to the southern tip of Baja California in Mexico. It prefers sandy or muddy bottoms and is usually found at depths of 10 to 90 meters.

Behavior and Diet

The Cilus gilberti is a nocturnal species that spends the day buried in the sand or mud, with only its eyes and mouth visible. It feeds on small invertebrates, such as crustaceans and worms.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproduction of the Cilus gilberti. It is believed to be an egg-laying species, with the female depositing her eggs in the sand or mud.

Conservation Status

The Cilus gilberti is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, its habitat is threatened by pollution and habitat destruction, which could potentially impact the species in the future.

References

• Cilus gilberti at FishBase
• Cilus gilberti at the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species