- Check the sub-map for the specimen information files -
SANDPERCHE’S - PINGUIPEDIDAE
These well-spread and camouflaged bottom-dwellers are mostly observed in lagoons and outer reefs. Some like to inhabit areas with sand and coral rubble, while others prefer rock or coral to live on. Every day they lay down their cigar-shaped body on a strategic spot, and wait motionless for prey to pass. Standing on their pectoral fins with the head high, they are able to keep an eye on their surroundings. Sandperches feed on small fish and benthic invertebrates. They live alone but are often observed living in pairs. Only with some of the Pinguipedidae family is it possible to directly determine the sex of the specimen. The males have a territory from around twenty square meters and a harem with two to five females which they protect from family members. Reproduction starts just before sunset when the male positions himself next to the female and starts head-banging for a while. A bit later the male lays his head on the female and starts waving towards her with his pectoral fins. The moment the sun goes down, they both swim up around a meter and spawn. The fertilized eggs then will float in the direction of the open water. The larvae will have to survive as pelagic zooplankton for one to two months before they will start a life among a coral reef. All juveniles are born females and can change sex from a certain age.
- Check the sub-map for the specimen information files -