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Brazilian sandperch (Pinguipes brasilianus) — Pinguipedidae

Brazilian sandperch

Pinguipes brasilianus
Family: Pinguipedidae

The Brazilian sandperch (Pinguipes brasilianus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pinguipedidae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
60.0–150.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

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Description

The Brazilian sandperch is a sandperch (Pinguipedidae) from coastal waters of the southwest Atlantic, off South America. The species grows to about 70 cm and has an elongate, brown-grey body with dark blotches and a fairly large mouth. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it rests on sand and gravel bottoms of rocky coasts and seizes small fish, crustaceans and molluscs. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brazilian sandperch?

The Brazilian sandperch has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Brazilian sandperch live?

The Brazilian sandperch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

How big does the Brazilian sandperch get?

The Brazilian sandperch grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 24 cm.

Is the Brazilian sandperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Brazilian sandperch is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Brazilian sandperch (Pinguipes brasilianus) — Pinguipedidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Nicolás Battini, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brazilian sandperch (Pinguipes brasilianus) — Pinguipedidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) avellaneda, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brazilian sandperch (Pinguipes brasilianus) — Pinguipedidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel Fernando Vidal, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Brazilian sandperch sourced
Scientific name
Pinguipes brasilianus
Family
Pinguipedidae
Other names
Brazilian sandperch verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
70.0 verified
Average length (cm)
24.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
60.0 verified
Max depth (m)
150.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pinguipes

More from the family Pinguipedidae

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