Parapercis punctulata (Cuvier, 1829)
Spotted sandperch
Parapercis punctulata
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pinguipedidae (Sandperches)
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Seychelles, Amirantes, Mozambique, Mauritius, and northern Natal, South Africa. Recently recorded from Reunion (Ref. 53568).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-21; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 17-17. Males with 2 blackish brown lines across belly; females with 3 distinct black spots on each side of belly (Ref. 5401).
Biology:  Commonly found on rubble bottoms of coral reefs (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 April 2022 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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