Atlantic goliath grouper
Epinephelus itajara
Harlequin Bass
Serranus tigrinus
About
The harlequin bass is a small, boldly patterned reef fish that looks like it was painted in black, white, and yellow patches, growing to about 29 cm.
Also known as: harlequin serranid
- Length
- 29 cm
- Depth
- up to 40 m
How to tell it apart
Few other small reef basses share this patchwork look; the clearest mark is a bold black stripe running from the snout straight through the eye.
Appearance
The body is slim and flattened side to side, with a pointed snout shorter than the eye is wide. The back carries a black-and-white mottled pattern, while the lower body is mottled yellow and black. Large black blotches mark the chin and throat against a white background, and the fins carry rows of black spots.
Habitat
Harlequin bass live on rocky reefs or areas of scattered coral, usually seen alone or in pairs, down to about 40 m deep. They hunt by drawing small crustaceans into their large mouth and swallowing them whole.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
