Guide
to the Coastal Resources of Guam: Vol. 1
THE FISHES
Steven S. AMESBURY Robert F. MYERS
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PINGUIPEDIDAE (SANDPERCHES) Sandperches are solitary, demersal (bottom-dwelling) carnivores that inhabit sandy, rubbly, or hard bottoms. Two shallow-water species are known from Guam; undoubtedly more occur here in waters of 50 to 200 m in depth.
This common species inhabits mixed sand, rubble, and coral areas of shallow lagoons and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to at least 30 m. It is frequently observed between small coral heads waiting to ambush small fishes and crustaceans. One other common shallow-water sandperch, Parapercis cephalopunctata, can be distinguished by its somewhat greener coloration, the more prominent white patch on its tail, and the absence of a shoulder eye-spot. INDO-PACIFIC: Persian Gulf to Samoa, n. to the Ryukyus, s. to the Philippines and Queensland, Australia.
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