Belonoperca

Belonoperca is a genus of fish in the family Serranidae, commonly known as sea basses or groupers. The genus contains four species, all of which are found in the Indo-Pacific region. These fish are characterized by their elongated bodies, with a distinctive elongated snout. They are typically found in coral reefs and rocky shores, where they inhabit crevices and caves.

Arrowhead soapfish – Belonoperca chabanaudi

Common Names

Common names for fish belonging to the genus Belonoperca include:

  • Longsnout bass
  • Snout bass
  • Long-snouted sea bass

Characteristics

Belonoperca species are distinguished by several prominent characteristics:

  • Elongated body: These fish have a slender, elongated body, giving them a distinctive appearance.
  • Elongated snout: They possess a long, pointed snout that is significantly longer than their eye diameter.
  • Dorsal fin: The dorsal fin has 10 spines followed by 11-13 soft rays.
  • Anal fin: The anal fin has 3 spines followed by 8-10 soft rays.
  • Coloration: The coloration can vary depending on the species, but generally involves a combination of browns, yellows, and oranges.

Environments

Belonoperca species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Coral reefs: They are commonly observed among coral reefs, using the crevices and caves as shelter.
  • Rocky shores: They are also found along rocky shores, where they seek refuge in the cracks and crevices.
  • Seagrass beds: Some species are found in seagrass beds, where they forage for food.

References

For further information and detailed descriptions of individual Belonoperca species, please refer to the following resources: