Seabasses

Critter Spotlight: Serranus baldwini

Photo Credit: John Randall

These fishes belong in the Order Perciformes and Suborder Percoidei as members of the Family Serranidae (Groupers & Anthias) which include 3 Subfamilies, of which one Subfamily Serraninae has 13 genera with about 75 described species, one of which include the fishes called Seabasses.

There are some dwarf members of the Family Serranidae, which includes anthias, grammas, reef basslets, grouper, hamlets, rockfish, and that of seabasses, that interest aquarists. The dwarf members of the genus Serranus (Dwarf Seabasses) are especially of interest because of their small size, the fact they are extremely hardy, and they accept a wide range of foodstuffs. Yet, reef aquariums are another thing, as they will eat smaller fish and crustaceans.

For in-depth information concerning these fishes, checkout Reef Fishes Volume 1 by Scott Michael (ISBN #1-890087-21-1). You can see a review of this exquisite book by visiting my Product & Book Reviews page.

Gonioplectrus

• Gonioplectrus hispanus (Spanish Flag)

Serranus

• Serranus annularis (Orangeback Bass)
• Serranus baldwini (Lantern Bass)
• Serranus tabacarius (Tobacco Bass)
• Serranus tortugarum (Chalk Bass)
• Serranus trigrinus (Harlequin/Tiger Bass)