Sandperches are a family of small to medium sized fish, generally ranging between 12 and 28cm, with a few species slightly smaller or larger than this. Usually seen perched on the sand at every coral reef during Koh Lanta dive trips.
Sandperches have long bodies which are flattened toward the rear and more rounded towards the head. They have long dorsal fins and the head is pointed, with the eyes positioned near the top of the head. The body is usually patterned with spots and bands and most species have distinctive patterns.
Sandperches live on the seafloor and can normally be found over sand or rubble close to the coral reef. These fish feed on small invertebrates, crabs, shrimp and small fish, and tend to sit on the sea bed with their bodies propped up by their pelvic fins.
Sandperches are protogynous hermaphrodites. This means that as juveniles they begin life as females. As they mature, they can change sex to male, and this often goes along with some changes in colour or body patterns. After changing sex, the new male dominates a harem of females and is teritorial. When a male leaves an area, he is replaced by a female, who changes sex and takes over the harem and teritory.
2 species found on this page.
