Diplectrum bivittatum (Valenciennes, 1828)
Dwarf sand perch
Diplectrum bivittatum
photo by Cox, C.D.

Family:  Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 100 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda (Ref. 7251), Florida (USA), Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and Brazil to 2°S; absent from Bahamas and West Indies (Ref. 7251).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Preopercle with a group of spines. Second ray of upper caudal fin elongated (Ref. 36323).
Biology:  Found on soft bottom (Ref. 5217). Synchronously hermaphroditic. Good food fish (Ref. 5217).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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