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