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Red sandperch (Parapercis rufa) — Pinguipedidae

Red sandperch

Parapercis rufa
Family: Pinguipedidae

The Red sandperch (Parapercis rufa) is a saltwater fish of the family Pinguipedidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
85.0–90.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Philippines

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Description

The Red sandperch is a sandperch (Pinguipedidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the western Pacific. 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 Red sandperch?

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

Where does the Red sandperch live?

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

How big does the Red sandperch get?

The Red sandperch grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Red sandperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Red 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Red sandperch sourced
Scientific name
Parapercis rufa
Family
Pinguipedidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
18 inferred
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)
85.0 verified
Max depth (m)
90.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Philippines 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

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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