Belongs to the right-eyed family, but can also be left-eyed. Eyed side olive to dark brown or almost black. Unpaired fins white to yellow to orange with black bars. Blind side white to creamy white. Body shape oval. Caudal fin nearly square or slightly rounded. Lateral line with slight curve over pectoral fin; accessory dorsal branch absent. Mouth small. Maxillary extends below anterior part of lower eye. Eyes small with lower yee anterior to upper eye. Space between eyes flat. Head slender, pointed. Anal spine strong. Scattered rough tubercles (star-like scales) on eyed side.

In Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk. From Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands south to Los Angeles Harbor, California.

On mud, sand, or gravel bottoms from 0 to 205 fm; most occur above 80 fm. Usually found near shore. Often enter brackish or fresh water, and young fish are often intertidal.

Common. Important sport fish. Highly regarded as food fish, but has moderate commercial value. Processing difficult due to rough skin, and needs to be deep skinned to remove unappealing, dark fat layer.

diamond back, emerywheel, grindstone

Picture: Bill Barss, ODFWText: Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Bulletin No. 47