Genus: Parasphyraenops, Bass Grouper, Basses
cigar-shape
X, 10, deep notch
bone under eye - large flange covering top jaw bone
operculum - 3 spines, central curves up
teeth fixed, minute
operculum - 3 spines, central curves up
teeth fixed, minute
PARASPHYRAENOPS
BASSES
Body elongate, cigar shaped; head bluntly pointed; bone under eye flexible, with a large flange that completely covers top jaw when mouth is closed; mouth protrusible; jaws with 1 row of minute, fixed teeth; no teeth on roof of mouth; gill rakers long, 28; operculum with 3 spines, middle spine curved up; dorsal fin X, 10, deeply notched between spiny and soft parts; anal fin III, 6-7; scales rough, covering body, operculum and cheek.
Both species in this genus are endemic to the Greater Caribbean.
