13 photos - 7 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 Johnny: Bangka North Sulawesi
Photo 3 Johnny: 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.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: 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.
Photo 1 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Photo 2 Astrid: 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.
Photo 1 Astrid: Bangka Island North Sulawesi
Photo 2 Johnny: Moalboal Phillipines
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.
Photo 1 Johnny: 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.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: 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.
Photo 1 Johnny: Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi