Sandperches are members of Pinguipedidae family. They live mainly on open sedimentary or rubble bottoms, some in the vicinity of reefs, and others on mud substrata. They usually rest upon the bottom, propping themselves on their pelvic fins. They can be recognized by having an elongated dorsal fin with 4 or 5 spines and 20 to 24 soft rays. The dorsal fin soft portion is significantly higher than the spinous portion. They also have an elongated anal fin with 1 spine and 16 to 20 soft rays. Their pelvic fin insertion is below or before pectoral base. Most sandperches are distinctively though rarely brightly coloured.
All sandperches are carnivorous, feeding principally on benthic crustaceans, especially crabs and shrimps, and occasionally on small fishes. They are easily approached, in general, underwater.
There are 7 genera and about 90 species of sandperches worldwide. Malaysia has 2 genera and about 10 species.
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Scientific Name: Parapercis xanthozona (Bleeker, 1849) English Name: Yellowbar Sandperch Mandarin Name | 鱼类中文名: 红带拟鲈 (Hóng dài nǐ lú), 狗二魚 (Gǒu èr yú) Local Malay Name: Ikan Belukor, Gendang, Marabahan, Haruan-laut Ekor Tompok Putih Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาตาแหงน (Plā tā h̄ængn) Main Identification Features: Midlateral white stripe on body extending nearly to end of caudal fin where bordered above and below by black spots. 6 double saddle-like markings along the back, 10 bars along the lower side. Size: Maximum total length about 23 cm. Habitat and Ecology: Rocky and coral reefs, 10 to 28 m depth. A benthic and territorial species. Usually solitary or in small harem-like groups. Feeds on invertebrates and small fishes. 
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