Harlequin Bass is a type of marine fish with ray-like fins. It belongs to the sea bass subfamily called Serraninae, which is part of the larger family known as Serranidae.
This family also includes groupers and anthias. It’s the most common member of its genus.
Harlequin bass is found in the western Atlantic Ocean and is sold in the aquarium trade.
They usually live in rocky areas or near scattered coral formations.
These fish tend to be alone or in pairs and mostly eat crustaceans. It’s safe to keep this fish in a reef aquarium.
Harlequin Bass Interesting Facts
- Harlequin bass are hermaphroditic marine fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean.
- They live in rocky areas or near scattered coral formations and mostly eat crustaceans.
- Their unique pointed snout and distinct color pattern make them easily identifiable.
- They practice “facultative monogamy” due to limited resources and reproduce through “pelagic spawning.”
Harlequin Bass Habitat
Harlequin bass is found in the Western Atlantic. Its habitat stretches from Bermuda and southern Florida to northern South America, including the Caribbean and Antilles.
This marine fish lives in reef environments at depths of 0 to 40 meters (131 feet).
It thrives in tropical waters with a latitude range of 33°N to 7°N and longitude range of 96°W to 58°W.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Harlequin Bass Physical Characteristics
Size: 11.4 inches (29.0 centimeters)
Harlequin bass can grow up to a maximum length of 11.4 inches (29.0 centimeters). It has 10 dorsal spines and 12 dorsal soft rays on its back.
Its snout is long and pointed, featuring black stripes and bars that form irregular rectangles on its body.
The unique pointed snout and distinct color pattern make it easy to identify this fish species.
Harlequin Bass Reproduction
Harlequin bass has both male and female reproductive organs at the same time, meaning they are hermaphroditic.
This fish sometimes practices “facultative monogamy.”
In this case, males mate with only one female. They release their eggs and sperm into the water to reproduce, which is called “pelagic spawning.”
Harlequin Bass Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Genus: | Serranus |
| Scientific Name: | Serranus tigrinus |
| Also Known As: | Harlequin Bass |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |