Ryan Photographic - Pinguipedidae - Sandperches

Family Pinguipedidae

This family contains fish known as the sandperches although in Australia they may be known as grubfish or weever fish and in South Africa as sandsmelt. In New Zealand, where we appear to be taxonomically challenged, one of the species is called the blue cod. More about this species later. Fishbase lists 50 species in 4 genera.

Sandperches are bottom dwellers and this is where they are usually seen, propped up on their pectoral fins. Most species will allow a relatively close approach but a few react to the preflash produced in modern metering systems and may move out of focus before the shot completes.

Some sandperches change sex as they become older. They start off mature life as females and change to males as they become larger. The sexes often have different color patterns, which in turn may differ from juvenile coloration.

The blue cod is divercentric. While diving in parts of New Zealand where spearfishing is rare I have often been accompanied by a curious blue cod. On one occasion I sensed the presence of something and looked to my right to find a blue cod eying up the fish I was photographing - although I expect his intentions were culinary. Blue cod grow to around 50cm and are a popular eating fish.

Sandperches are carnivores.

Parapercis clathrata Latticed sandperch

Parapercis colias Blue cod

Parapercis cylindrica Yellowtail sandperch

Parapercis hexophthalma Speckled sandperch

Parapercis millipunctata Spotted sandperch

Parapercis schauinslandi Red-spotted sandperch

Parapercis snyderi Blackfin sandperch

Parapercis stricticeps Whitestreak grubfish

Parapercis tetracantha Reticulated sandperch

Fishes

 Photo Library