Genus: Stereolepis, Giant Seabasses
1 D, 9-12 rays, spiny part low & longer base, strong notch
teeth small
operculum: 2 flat spines
STEREOLEPIS
GIANT SEABASSES
Body oblong, compressed; mouth large, top jaw exposed; teeth simple, no canines, in bands, on jaws, tongue and front and sides of roof of mouth; operculum with 1- 2 spines; preopercle serrated, more strongly so in juveniles; one notched dorsal fin with XI-XII strong spines, 11-12 rays, notched between spines and rays; anal fin III spines, 8-10 rays; pelvic fins larger than pectorals in juveniles; tail fin edge straight (rounded in juveniles); scales small, rough, covering body, head (except for snout), and top jaw.
This genus, with 3 species, is found in the temperate northeast and northwest Pacific; the eastern Pacific species enters our region.
