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Somali sandperch (Parapercis somaliensis) — Pinguipedidae

Somali sandperch

Parapercis somaliensis
Family: Pinguipedidae

The Somali sandperch (Parapercis somaliensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pinguipedidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–350.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan and others

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Description

The Somali sandperch is a sandperch (Pinguipedidae) from shallow sandy water of the western Indian Ocean. 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 Somali sandperch?

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

Where does the Somali sandperch live?

The Somali sandperch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan and others

How big does the Somali sandperch get?

The Somali sandperch grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Somali sandperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Somali 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

Somali sandperch (Parapercis somaliensis) — Pinguipedidae — 2
M. Mwale (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Somali sandperch (Parapercis somaliensis) — Pinguipedidae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
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All data

Identification

English name
Somali sandperch sourced
Scientific name
Parapercis somaliensis
Family
Pinguipedidae
Other names
Somali grubfish; Somali sandperch; Weeping sandsmelt verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 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
Max depth (m)
350.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan and others 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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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