HomeMarine aquarium fishOther marine fishSpeckled sandperch Speckled sandperch (Parapercis hexophtalma) Scientific name: Parapercis hexophtalma Cuvier, 1829 The Speckled sandperch (Parapercis hexophtalma) is a marine fish of the family Pinguipedidae. Native range: Indian Ocean. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-22; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 17 - 18. Easily identified by the large black blotch on the tail. Body and head spotted, except in large males that feature lines on the cheek instead. Upper third of body greenish to brownish grey, flecked with dark brown, the lower two-thirds white with 3 or 4 longitudinal rows of small dark brown spots, sometimes linked by narrow dark stripes except lower row as discrete yellow-edged black spots. Caudal fin with a very large black spot centrobasally in fin. Last membrane of spinous portion of dorsal fin connected to first dorsal-fin ray nearly at height of fifth dorsal-fin spine (Ref 42740).Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameParapercis hexophtalmaFamilyPinguipedidae (Sandperches)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length29.0Common length18.0Depth range2–22 m (7–72 ft)EnvironmentMarine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 22 mClimateTropicalDistributionIndian Ocean.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.4) More other marine fishHawaiian squirrelfishSargocentron xantherythrumBarred sandperchParapercis nebulosaRedspotted sandperchParapercis schauinslandiiSpotted coral croucherCaracanthus maculatusLong-barbel goatfishParupeneus macronemusHawaiian bigeyePriacanthus meekiSee all other marine fish SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026