English Name: Spot-tail sandperch
Family: PINGUIPEDIDAE
Local Name: Lah nigoo alathandu
Order: Perciformes
Size: Common to 18 cm; max. 26cm
Specimen: MRS/0158/87
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 5 spines and 21-22 rays. Anal fin with 1 spine and 17 rays. Pectoral fin with 17-18 rays. 8 canines at front of lower jaw. Membrane from last dorsal spine joins first dorsal ray opposite tip of spine. Snout narrow, the lower jaw length greater than its width.
Colour: Light greenish-brown dorsally, speckled with brown; white ventrally. A horizontal row of small yellow-edged black spots on lower side. A large black spot in caudal finwith a white area behind it. Females with small black spots on head, males with diagonal dark brown lines on cheek.
Habitat and Biology: Usually found on coral reefs and sandy areas near reefs and rocky outcrops, from the shoreline to moderate depths over the continental shelf. Carnivorous.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: Parapercis hexophthalrna is a fairly common inhabitant on Maldivian reef flats. It is usually seenpropped up on its pelvic fins. P. polyphtha!ma is a synonym based on the female form.