| Family: |
Pinguipedidae (Sandperches) |
| Max. size: |
7.41 cm SL (male/unsexed); 7.59 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 35 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Sumatra, Sulawesi, Philippines, to Great Barrier Reef, Solomon Islands, Lord Howe Island. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-21; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 16-18. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D V,21; A I,17; 14-16 (rarely 14 or 16) pectoral rays; 45-51 lateral-line scales; about 4 predorsal scales; ctenoid scales on cheek, in 5-6 horizontal rows; 3-4 + 8-10 gill rakers; front of lower jaw with 8 canine teeth; with palatine teeth; upper edge of subopercle with a prominent sharp spine; middle dorsal spine longest; membrane from last dorsal spine joined to base of first soft ray; body pale greenish to pale yellow dorsally, white below, with a series of 5 broad double dark bars on back, smaller posteriorly; lower part of body with a series of 9 bars, the top of each with a short blackish dash; a black line runs from the front of upper lip to eye, sometimes with 1-3 iridescent pale blue lines on snout and cheek below eye; 2 rows of black dots from behind eye along back to about middle of body, 1 row just above and the other just below lateral line; rear of cheek and lower opercle with black dots, often continuing in irregular rows anteriorly on body; first dorsal fin with a large dusky to dark brown spot at base, and often a submarginal dark brown or red line (or combined dark brown and red) (Ref. 57562). |
| Biology: |
The species is generally found in calm environments on sand or rubble near reefs. A protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 057562). Minimum depth of 3 m reported from Ref. 57562. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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