Parapercis hexophthalma is a fairly common inhabitant of Maldivian reef flats, usually seen propped up on its pelvic fins; P. polyphthalma is a synonym based on the female form.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 18 cm; max. 26 cm
color
Light greenish-brown dorsally, speckled with brown; white ventrally. A horizontal row of small yellow-edged black spots on lower side. A large black spot in caudal fin with a white area behind it. Females with small black spots on head, males with diagonal dark brown lines on cheek.
Typically inhabiting coral reefs and sandy areas close to reefs and rocky outcrops, from the shoreline to depths of the continental shelf, these carnivorous creatures can be found.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with five spines and 21-22 rays, an anal fin with one spine and 17 rays, pectoral rays with 17-18 rays, eight canines at the front of its lower jaw, and a membrane from the last dorsal spine that joins the first dorsal ray opposite the tip of the spine. Its snout is narrow and its lower jaw is longer than it is wide.