3.3.9.1.1. Serranidae (Groupers, Seabasses, Rockcods, Hinds, Combers, Coral trouts, Lyretails)

3.3.9.1.1 Serranidae (Groupers, Seabasses, Rockcods, Hinds, Combers, Coral trouts, Lyretails)

  • Superior mouth
  • Maxilla exposed, with or without supramaxilla
  • A single dorsal fin with 7 to 12 strong spines and 10 to 19 soft rays
  • Anal fin with 3 spines
  • Edge of preopercle serrate
  • Opercle with 2 or 3 flat points or spines (mostly 3)
  • Caudal fin rounded or truncate in most species/emarginated to lunate in a few

Eg. Cephalopholis sonnerati

Serranidae (Groupers, Seabasses, Rockcods, Hinds, Combers, Coral trouts, Lyretails)

Similar Families

Lutjanidae - Maxilla mostly covered by preorbital bone when mouth is closed (maxilla exposed in serranidae), no spines on opercle.

Haemulidae - 2 or more distinct pores on chin; maxilla mostly covered by preorbital bone when mouth is closed; no spines on opercle.

Sparidae - Maxilla mostly covered by preorbital bone when mouth is closed; no spines on opercle; edge of preopercle not serrated.

Last modified: Tuesday, 24 January 2012, 9:38 AM