Harlequin sandsmelt
📖 Overview
Harlequin sandsmelt (Parapercis pulchella) is a ray-finned fish of the family Pinguipedidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 20 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 17. Brownish orange in color; several pale stripes on head; black marks on lower lip and underside of head .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Harlequin sandsmelt is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Tropical Northwest Pacific: Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Grub fish · Harlequin Sandperch · harlequin sandsmelt |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Toragisu · トラギス |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Michole-de-Nagasaki |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 沙鱸 · 海狗甘仔 · 狗 · 美擬鱸 · 舉目魚 · 花狗母海 · 雨傘閂 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Harlequin sandsmelt ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.