Dwarf Sand Perch
| Name: | Dwarf Sand Perch |
| Scientific Name: | Diplectrum bivittatum |
| Family: | Sea Basses |
| Taxonomic: | Serranidae |
| ID Group: | Groupers, Sea Basses, Basslets |
| Size: | 4 - 6 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Not usually seen |
The Dwarf Sand Perch has a pale body with dark brown stripes on its upper body. It also has a thin, faint blue line on the cheek, and the translucent dorsal fin may have a faint dark spot at the end.
The Dwarf Sand Perch is found alone in shallow areas over sandy bottoms. It feeds on small crustaceans and worms that live on the seafloor. It has both male and female reproductive organs and can produce both eggs and sperm at the same time. It releases eggs and sperm in open water, and its eggs and larvae float freely before settling in shallow areas as they grow.