Known from shallow reefs; inhabits the margins of sand flats in small caves and below reef walls at depths of 1 to 6 meters; these areas are deposits of coarse gravel largely composed of f fragments of mollusc shells, crustaceans, corals, calcareous algae and sea urchin skeletons and spines. Found buried in the gravel, with just the eyes and the dorsal finlet exposed; it appears to 'swim' in the gravel; solitary or in groups. Associates with other sand-dwelling fishes such as Dactyloscopus tridigitatus, D. crossotus, Gillellus greyae, and toadfish Thallasophynne punctata; also an unidentified shrimp and juveniles of crabs (Callinectes sp.).
Diagnosis: The dorsal finlet is fan-like and 3-spined, its height more than half of predorsal length, 58-84% (vs. 4-spined in P. smithi, low profile in P. rubrocinctus); first 2 spines of finlet more closely spaced than the 2nd and 3rd. Lateral line deflection is usually located below interspace between 14th and 15th dorsal fin elements. Upper lip fimbriae more numerous than those of lower lip. Base of pectoral fin usually naked or rarely with a single scale on its upper portion .
Behavioural data for Brazilian sand stargazer is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Brazilian sand stargazer is currently being compiled.
Reproduction data for Brazilian sand stargazer is currently being compiled.
Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 2 m . Tropical Southwest Atlantic: Brazil.
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Brazilian Sand Stargazer |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Brazilian sand stargazer ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data?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.