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Dockins' sandperch (Parapercis dockinsi) — Pinguipedidae

Dockins' sandperch

Parapercis dockinsi
Family: Pinguipedidae

The Dockins' sandperch (Parapercis dockinsi) is a saltwater fish of the family Pinguipedidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
25.0–290.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Juan Fernández

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Description

The Dockins' sandperch is a sandperch (Pinguipedidae) from shallow sandy water of the eastern Pacific around the Galapagos. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, cylindrical, sandy body with brown spots or saddles and high-set eyes. As a bottom-dweller it rests on its pectoral fins on sand and rubble among reef and seagrass and darts out at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dockins' sandperch?

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

Where does the Dockins' sandperch live?

The Dockins' sandperch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Juan Fernández

How big does the Dockins' sandperch get?

The Dockins' sandperch grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Dockins' sandperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Dockins' 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

Dockins' sandperch (Parapercis dockinsi) — Pinguipedidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Pablo Fajardo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Dockins' sandperch sourced
Scientific name
Parapercis dockinsi
Family
Pinguipedidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.2 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)
25.0 verified
Max depth (m)
290.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Juan Fernández 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 Parapercis

More from the family Pinguipedidae

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