Sea basses are mostly marine in habitat with
widespread occurrence from tropical and temperate
seas. Fishes are characterised by an opercle with
three spines with the main spine in centre and one
each above and below. Body scales are generally
ctenoid with cycloid scales also reported. Lateral line
is continuous, not extending onto caudal fin. Single
continuous dorsal fin, in some with notches, 7- 13
spines. Anal fin with 3 spines; caudal fin usually
rounded, truncate, or lunate. Tip of maxilla exposed,
pelvic fin with one spine and five soft rays; seven
branchiostegal rays usually present
