16 photos - 8 species
Introduction
There are 7 genera with over 80 species.
This species is easily confused with the lizardfish.
Sand bass have a long dorsal fin, whereas lizardfish have a rather short one.
However, both are bottom dwellers.
In general, sand bass grow to between 8 and 30 cm in length, although there are two species that grow to 1 - 1.2 m in length.
Parapercis clathrata
Latticed sandperch
Maximum length: 24 cm
Depth: 2 - 15 m
Slightly similar to the eye-striped sand bass.
They are found on coastal and outer reef crests as well as on rocky slopes.
Photos 1 - 2: Bangka North Sulawesi
Photo 3: Moalboal Philippines
Parapercis cylindrica
Cylindrical sandperch
Maximum length: 18 cm
Depth: 1 - 20 m
There are broad, dark, vertical spots on the lower side of the body.
There is a dark, vertical to slightly diagonal stripe under the eye.
It is found on rocky ground, scree and sand.
Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi
Parapercis hexophtalma
Speckled sandperch
Maximum length: 28 cm
Depth: 2 - 22 m
Lies in wait for prey on sand and rubble.
Sleeps under rubble.
Eats invertebrates that live on the bottom.
Hurghada Egypt
Parapercis millepunctata
Black-dotted sandperch
Maximum length: 18 cm
Depth: 3 - 40 m
White spot on the caudal fin and olive-brown spots on the side, forehead and snout.
On sand and rubble areas close to the reef.
Bangka Island North Sulawesi
Parapercis schauinslandii
Redspotted sandperch, Lyretail grubfish, Flagfin weaver,
Lyre tail grubfish
Maximum length: 18 cm
Depth: 9 - 170 m
Sexual metamorphosis is possible with this species.
It inhabits open sand and rubble areas on deep-sea and coastal slopes and deep sandy reef areas.
Adults often rise from the bottom to feed.
Bangka island North Sulawesi
Parapercis snyderi
Snyder's grubfish or U-mark sandperch
Maximum length: 10 cm
Depth: 5 - 35 m
About 5 reddish-brown, irregular saddle spots.
The rear edge of the caudal fin is dark.
The first dorsal fin is black.
Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi
Parapercis tetracantha
Reticulated sandperch
Maximum length: 25 cm
Depth: 5 - 25 m
Very contrasting color pattern of white and black-brown spots.
There is an indistinct eye spot on the upper back of the head.
Found in protected outer reefs and lagoons.
Moalboal Philippines
Parapercis xanthozona
Yellowbar sandperch
Maximum length: 23 cm
Depth: 8 - 30 m
These animals have white and orange diagonal stripes on their cheeks
and a light stripe extending from the base of the pectoral fin to the base of the caudal fin.
Inhabits near-reef rubble and sand areas in lagoons and protected outer reefs.
Foto 1: Bangka island North Sulawesi
Foto 2: Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi