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Helen's perchlet (Plectranthias helenae) — Serranidae

Helen's perchlet

Plectranthias helenae
Family: Serranidae

The Helen's perchlet (Plectranthias helenae) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
110–168 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hawaii

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Description

The Helen's perchlet is a perchlet (Serranidae) from deeper rocky and coral-reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, reddish to mottled body with large eyes and broad pectoral fins on which it rests on the bottom. As a shy bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices and under overhangs and snaps at small crustaceans and plankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Helen's perchlet?

The Helen's perchlet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Helen's perchlet live?

The Helen's perchlet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hawaii

How big does the Helen's perchlet get?

The Helen's perchlet grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Helen's perchlet dangerous to humans?

No, the Helen's perchlet is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Helen's perchlet sourced
Scientific name
Plectranthias helenae
Family
Serranidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
110 verified
Max depth (m)
168 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Plectranthias

More from the family Serranidae

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