---
title: Sandperch (Pinguipedidae)
scientific_name: Pinguipedidae
common_name: Sandperch
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:12:20.285Z
tags: Sandperch, Pinguipedidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/sandperch
---

# Sandperch (*Pinguipedidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Pinguipedidae
- **Body shape:** Elongate - Long and slender, but still fish-shaped - trumpetfishes, needlefishes, cornetfishes.
- **Species listed here:** 1

## How to recognise this group

- elongated body
- long dorsal and anal fins
- eyes set high on head
- rests on seabed propped on widely spaced pelvic fins

Sandperches (Pinguipedidae) are benthic fish characterized by elongated bodies that taper towards the head and are slightly flattened towards the rear. They have long dorsal and anal fins, each supported by a few spines, and enlarged lips armed with prominent canine teeth. Their eyes are positioned high on the head, and body patterns often feature distinctive spots and bands. Most species found in the Red Sea typically measure 15-30 cm (6-12 in) in length, with some individuals growing to over 40 cm (16 in).

These fish inhabit sand or rubble substrates, frequently near reef edges, at depths ranging from shallow waters down to about 60 m (200 ft). They commonly rest on the seabed, propped up on their widely spaced pelvic fins, waiting to ambush small benthic invertebrates and fish. Among Sandperches, some species exhibit protogynous hermaphroditism, maturing first as females before undergoing a sex change to male, a process often accompanied by notable differences in colouration between sexes.


## Species (1)

- [Speckled Sandperch (Parapercis hexophtalma)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/sandperch/speckled-sandperch)

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/sandperch)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*