Redspotted Sandperch (Parapercis schauinslandii)

Also Known As: Red Lizard Blenny, Red Snyder Blenny

Compatibility and Behavior
The Redspotted Sandperch is considered a lizardfish...a unique micro-predator among perchers and blennies. It has an elongated, torpedo-shaped body in creamy white to light tan, overlaid with reddish-brown spots and saddles along the back, and a distinctive spot or band near the tail that lends it a lizard-like look as it props itself up on its pectoral fins and surveys the tank. That perch-and-dart hunting style is the tell: this is a little predator, and it should be treated as reef safe with caution. It may pick off small crustaceans like tiny shrimp and crabs, tubeworms, and even very small fish in nano setups, so it's a poor match for those tankmates. It generally does fine alongside moderately assertive midwater and upper-level fish, but can get territorial toward other bottom dwellers like gobies, blennies, or hawkfish when floor space and hiding spots are tight, so avoid keeping these in small tanks.

Aquarium Requirements
Because this is a substrate-oriented hunter, the layout matters more than usual. Give it a tank of around 55 gallons or larger with ample open bottom and at least 30 to 50% of the footprint in fine sand or small gravel, since it relies on soft substrate for perching and hunting, and include multiple rocky islands, caves, and ledges so it can retreat when startled and claim favorite vantage points. A well-established system with a healthy micro-crustacean population supports more natural foraging, but this fish still needs regular targeted feedings of meaty foods several times a day, especially when newly introduced. A secure lid is recommended, since sandperches can bolt upward if spooked. And plan your stocking around its appetite: avoid mixing it with very small ornamental shrimp or tiny nano fish it may view as prey. Feed finely chopped marine fish and crustacean flesh, mysis, krill, and quality frozen carnivore preparations.

Specifications
Approximate Size: 1.5–2.5" (may grow larger over long periods)
Diet: Carnivore; finely chopped marine fish and crustacean flesh, mysis, krill, and quality frozen carnivore preparations
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Intermediate
Reef Safe: With caution
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Special Considerations: Reef safe with caution, as it may prey on small shrimp, crabs, tubeworms, and very small fish, so avoid keeping it with those; a sandperch that needs a generous open sand bed for perching and hunting; may be territorial toward other bottom dwellers like gobies, blennies, or hawkfish; can bolt if spooked, so a secure lid is recommended