[2] Pacific sandfish are small, reaching a maximum length of 12 inches (30 cm) and a weight of 12 oz (340 g).

Sandfish larvae are excellent swimmers, swimming freely in open nearshore water, sometimes in the company of juvenile salmon.

[3] At 2–3 months and 2.5 inches(50–60 mm) in length, they have attained the laterally compressed adult form, and bury themselves in the seabed.

The larvae must begin swimming and schooling immediately after birth because they have a high metabolism and must eat almost constantly.

The sandfish has a synchronized hatching method that ultimately prevents the eggs from getting beaten or destroyed by the waves.