Where Does California Halibut Live?

California Halibut lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find California Halibut

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow coastal waters from the surf zone to depths of about 200 meters (650 feet), though occasionally deeper. Most common in 5-50 meters.

Environment

Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, often near kelp beds, rocky reefs, or artificial structures. They are demersal, spending most of their time lying on the seafloor, often partially buried.

Geographic range

Eastern Pacific Ocean, from the Quillayute River in Washington State, south to Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Most abundant from central California south to Baja California.

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