The Latticed Sandperch, Parapercis clathrata, is a species of fish belonging to the family Pinguipedidae. It is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 24.0 cm. The species is found in a variety of habitats, including marine environments.
Description and Characteristics
Parapercis clathrata is easily recognizable by its distinctive lattice-like pattern of dark brown to black bars and spots across its body. These markings are set against a pale background, which can range from white to light yellow. The fish also has a somewhat elongated body shape, with a slightly compressed head and a pointed snout.
Habitat and Occurrence
Parapercis clathrata is a benthic fish, meaning it lives on the bottom of the ocean. It can be found in a wide range of depths, from the surface down to 100 meters. The species is typically found in rocky reefs, sand bottoms, and seagrass beds. Its distribution extends across various marine zones, including the neritic zone, which is the shallow coastal waters, and the oceanic zone, encompassing the open ocean.
Taxonomy
The species Parapercis clathrata belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Pinguipedidae. This classification highlights its position within the larger group of bony fish (Teleostei), specifically within the order Perciformes, which includes a diverse array of fishes, and finally within the Pinguipedidae family, characterized by sandperches and related species.
Feeding
The Latticed Sandperch is a carnivore, feeding primarily on small invertebrates and fishes. Its diet includes a variety of food items, such as brine shrimps, clam meat, small fishes, and zooplankton. In captivity, it can be fed a variety of commercially available frozen foods, including larger frozen items, mysis shrimp, and smelts.
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