Sharpnose Sandperch

Appearance

''Parapercis cylindrica'' can reach a length of 23 cm. It shows a series of quadrangular dark brown blotches along the body. The largest blotches are joined by dark brown stripes. A narrow dark brown bar is located below middle of eye. Caudal fin is usually yellowish.

Naming

Genus ''Parapercis'' = Greek ''para'', beside, near, compared with + Greek ''perkis'', a fish, perch. Genus ''Parapercis'' fishes are closely related to perches, which belong to genus ''Perca''.

Distribution

This species can be found Western Pacific, from Australia to Fiji, southern Japan, northern Sulawesi and Marshall Islands.

Habitat

''Perapercis cylindrica'' is a species associated to shallow reef. It usually can be found in lagoon and seaward reefs on sand and seagrass, at depths between 1 and 20 m.