SEASBASSES (GROUPERS) - Serranidae
General:
Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites. They change sex from females to a few dominant males. Groupers attain up to 3 m maximum length and weights of up to 400 kg.
They are bottom-dwelling predators and highly commercial food fish. Groupers grow rapidly.
Operculum bearing 3 spines - a main spine with one below and one above it. Lateral line complete and continuous, not reaching onto caudal fin (lacking in one species). Dorsal fin may be notched, with 7-12 spines. Three spines on anal fin. Caudal fin usually rounded, truncate, or lunate; rarely forked. Tip of maxilla exposed even with mouth closed. No scaly axillary pelvic process. One spine on pelvic fin; soft rays 5. Branchiostegal rays usually 7. Vertebrae 24-26.
Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites. They change sex from females to a few dominant males. Groupers attain up to 3 m maximum length and weights of up to 400 kg.
They are bottom-dwelling predators and highly commercial food fish. Groupers grow rapidly.
Operculum bearing 3 spines - a main spine with one below and one above it. Lateral line complete and continuous, not reaching onto caudal fin (lacking in one species). Dorsal fin may be notched, with 7-12 spines. Three spines on anal fin. Caudal fin usually rounded, truncate, or lunate; rarely forked. Tip of maxilla exposed even with mouth closed. No scaly axillary pelvic process. One spine on pelvic fin; soft rays 5. Branchiostegal rays usually 7. Vertebrae 24-26.
Etymology
Latin, serranus = derived from saw, fish saw.
Latin, serranus = derived from saw, fish saw.
There are other seabasses, including Hamlets, Basslets and others
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