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Whitehead's perchlet (Plectranthias whiteheadi) — Serranidae

Whitehead's perchlet

Plectranthias whiteheadi
Family: Serranidae

The Whitehead's perchlet (Plectranthias whiteheadi) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–236.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia

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Description

The Whitehead's perchlet is a perchlet (Serranidae) from deeper rocky and coral-reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, reddish to mottled body with large eyes and broad pectoral fins on which it rests on the bottom. As a shy bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices and under overhangs and snaps at small crustaceans and plankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Whitehead's perchlet?

The Whitehead's perchlet has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Whitehead's perchlet live?

The Whitehead's perchlet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia

How big does the Whitehead's perchlet get?

The Whitehead's perchlet grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Whitehead's perchlet dangerous to humans?

No, the Whitehead's perchlet 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
Whitehead's perchlet sourced
Scientific name
Plectranthias whiteheadi
Family
Serranidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
8 inferred
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
236.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
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 Plectranthias

More from the family Serranidae

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