Neosebastidae
Neosebastidae is a family of marine ray-finned fishes belonging to the order Scorpaeniformes. Commonly known as “rockfishes” or “sea basses”, they are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Neosebastidae fishes are characterized by their robust bodies, spiny heads, and large mouths. They inhabit a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deep-sea trenches, often living amongst rocks and coral.
Common Names
Neosebastidae fishes are known by several common names, including:
- Rockfishes
- Sea basses
- Scorpionfishes
Characteristics
Members of the Neosebastidae family exhibit a range of shared characteristics, including:
- Robust, often compressed bodies
- Spiny heads with prominent spines on the preopercle and suborbital bones
- Large mouths with sharp teeth
- Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed
- Two anal fins
- Pelvic fins are thoracic or jugular in position
- Scales are typically ctenoid or cycloid
- Coloration can be highly variable, ranging from bright red and orange to dull brown and gray
Environments
Neosebastidae fishes occupy a diverse range of marine environments, including:
- Coral reefs
- Rocky reefs
- Seagrass beds
- Deep-sea trenches
References
For further information and detailed taxonomic descriptions, refer to the following resources: