Red - spotted sandperch :

EnglishName: Red - spotted sandperch
Local Name : Raiy thiki alathandu
Size : Max. 14 cm
Family: PINGUIPEDIDAE
Order : Perciformes
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 5 spines and 21 rays. Anal fin with 1 spine and 17 rays. Pectoral fin with 16 rays. 6 canines at front of lower jaw. Palatine teeth absent. Middle dorsal spine longest. Caudal fin emarginate.
Colour: White with 2 longitudinal series of squarish red spots on body, 1 along back (these spots often faint, but may contain a few dark red spots) and the other mid-lateral. 2 red lines at base of pectoral fin. Spinous portion of dorsal fin red with a large black spot in centre. Caudal fin pale with 2 red spots.
Habitat and Biology: Usually found on rubble near reefs at depths greater than 20 m. Carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans and small fish.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: Parapercis schauinslandi is a moderately deep dwelling species. The colour pattern of this species slightly varies with major localities.

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