Redtail sandperch

📖 Overview

Redtail sandperch (Parapercis rubricaudalis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Pinguipedidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6.9 cm. It occurs at depths between 70 and 119 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 17; Vertebrae: 30. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D V, 21; A I,17; pectoral-fin rays 15-17 (rarely 15 or 17); lateral-line scales 56-58 (modally 57); gill rakers 2-4 + 7-10 = 9-14; predorsal scales 4-6 (modally 5); ctenoid scales on cheek; canine teeth 6 in outer row at front of lower jaw; robust and conical vomer teeth in 1-2 irregular rows; no palatine teeth; opercle with 2-3 strong spines; margin of preopercle, subopercle and interopercle are strongly serrated; vertebrae - 10 abdominal and 20 caudal; pelvic fins reaching between vent and base of third anal-fin ray; 3 broad orange to reddish bars on head between suborbital and opercle, 6 irregular broad orange to reddish transverse bands across body, 2-3 rows of red spots on soft dorsal fin, anal-fin reddish infused with yellow near base, a large red blotch on anteroventral quarter of pectoral fin, pelvic fins are bright orange-red, and caudal fin with several irregular rows of dark red spots, the lower third of fin distinctively crimson-red .: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Redtail sandperch is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 70 - 119 m . Subtropical West Pacific: Western Australia and the Philippines.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute