Sand Perch

Body pale brown dorsally with several vertical dark brown bars, becoming white ventrally; dorsal fin dusky with longitudinal yellow lines; pectoral, pelvic and anal fins dusky; caudal fin dusky with small yellow blotches (Ref. 13608). Preopercle has spines radiating from 2 centers (Ref. 26938).

Simultaenous hermaphrodite. The gonad contains ovarian and testicular tissue separated by a thin basement membrane, with no means of internal self-fertilization.

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7 - 8

Inhabits bays, coastal grassy areas and shallow banks. Solitary (Ref. 26340) and retreats into shelter when frightened (Ref. 9710). Synchronously hermaphroditic. Popular as a pan fish despite its small size. Feeds on fish and crustaceans (Ref. 26338). Reported as follower of the sea star Luidia senegalensis, and this is likely due to feeding on disturbed or exposed prey due to sea star activities (Ref. 55760).

Inhabits bays, coastal grassy areas and shallow banks. Solitary (Ref. 26340) and retreats into shelter when frightened (Ref. 9710). Neither opercular spine nor anterolateral glandular grooves with venom gland is present (Ref. 57406). Synchronously hermaphroditic. Popular as a pan fish despite its small size.

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes

Western Atlantic: from North Carolina, USA, the northern Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas southward to Uruguay. Antilles, northern South American coast, occurrence in western Caribbean doubtful

benthic