It is native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from the coast of Manhattan Beach, California in the north to the Gulf of California in the south.

This demersal marine fish lives in tropical waters, inhabiting sandy bottoms at depths between 18 and 347 m (59 and 1,138 ft).

Like the rest of the large-tooth flounders, it has both eyes on the left side of its head.

It is brownish in colour, both the body and fins are mottled with darker patches.

Citharichthys fragilis preys on crustaceans, benthic worms, and small bony fishes.