Serranus Cuvier, 1816
3 opercular spines. Maxillae naked, supra-maxillae absent. Some canine teeth on jaws, no depressible teeth. Dorsal fin single, with 10 spines; caudal fin emarginate, truncate or somewhat rounded. Scales ctenoid. Size rather small.
Littoral, chiefly tropical. Usually solitary. Carnivorous, feeding on fishes and invertebrates (crustaceans and squids). Synchronous hermaphrodites (self fertilization occurs at least in one American species, S. subligarius).
Species about 18, in Clofnam area 4.
Species of this genus in the program:
Serranus atricauda
Serranus cabrilla
Serranus hepatus
Serranus scriba