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Atlantic sandperch (Parapercis atlantica) — Pinguipedidae

Atlantic sandperch

Parapercis atlantica
Family: Pinguipedidae

The Atlantic sandperch (Parapercis atlantica) is a saltwater fish of the family Pinguipedidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
180.0–200.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Atlantic sandperch is a sandperch (Pinguipedidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the eastern Atlantic around West Africa. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an elongate, mottled body with high-set eyes and propping pectoral fins on which it rests on the bottom. As an ambush predator it waits half-buried or on sand and darts out at small fish, crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Atlantic sandperch?

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

Where does the Atlantic sandperch live?

The Atlantic sandperch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Atlantic sandperch get?

The Atlantic sandperch grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Atlantic sandperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Atlantic sandperch is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Atlantische zandbaars sourced
English name
Atlantic sandperch sourced
Scientific name
Parapercis atlantica
Family
Pinguipedidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.3 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)
180.0 verified
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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