Peppered Grubfish
Parapercis xanthozona
Grubfishes or Sand Perches as they are sometimes referred are bottom dwellers that are usually found in sandy or silty patches on reefs. The Peppered Grubfish is characterised by a distinctive pattern of brown to bronze bars on the sides, a white mid-lateral stripe, and three rows of black spots on the dorsal fin, with further spots clustered on the caudal fin. A yellowish-orange spot is present at the base of each pectoral fin and the cheek features a series of vertical white lines.
Morphology
Elongate cylindrical body with a depressed (i.e. dorso-ventrally flattened) head and snout. Best distinguished from other grubfish species by its colour pattern described above. Reaches a maximum length of 23 cm.
Evolution
The genus Parapercis contains 81 currently recognised species and belongs to the family Pinguipedidae.
Behaviour
A benthic and territorial species. Usually solitary or in small harem-like groups. The diet comprises invertebrates and small fishes. Grubfishes make ideal photographic subjects due to their tendency to remain still when approached slowly by divers.
Method of reproduction
Sexual; a protogynous hermaphrodite that releases pelagic eggs.
Habitat
Marine
Sandy or silty patches of coral or rocky reefs to depths of 40 m.
Distribution
Widespread Indo-Pacific distribution from eastern Africa to Fiji, including northern Australian waters.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pinguipedidae |
| Genus: | Parapercis |
| Species: | xanthozona |
| Name Published Year: | 1849 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Bleeker |
| Commercial Impact: | Small numbers are caught from the wild annually for the aquarium trade. |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Parapercis-xanthozona
Accessed 2 Sep 2023
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