El serrano fish, whose scientific name is Serranus scriba, is a species of the family SerranidaeIt is characterized by having an elongated and robust body, although more plump than the Serranus cabrilla. It is distinguished by its pointed head and its truncated or rounded tail. Its caudal peduncle is thick and has a Big Mouth with the visible maxilla, without scales or supermaxilla.
Morphological characteristics of the serrano fish
The body of the serrano fish has small scales with between 65 and 75 scales on the lateral line. The preoperculum is completely serrated, while the operculum has three flat spines, which is a distinctive feature within its family.
Su coloration It is one of its most striking features. The back and part of the sides are a bright color. pink or pale brown, with between five and seven dark brown transverse stripesIt also has a large blue spot on the ventral part of the flanks, which intensifies with the age and growth of the fish. tail and part of the caudal peduncle are a bright yellow hue, which makes this species unmistakable.
One of the most interesting features of the Serrano fish is the complexity of the pattern of blueish sinuous lines on its head, which resemble Arabic writing. This detail has earned it the term scriba, referring to the appearance of their skin.
Habitat and distribution
The serrano fish lives in rocky bottoms relatively superficial and seagrass meadows, especially in areas with Posidonia oceanica. Its distribution is mainly in the Mediterranean Sea and in the Eastern Atlantic, where it is common to find it in waters up to 30 meters deep.
It has been observed that there is a bathymetric segregation with Serranus cabrilla. When both species coexist, the density of the Serrano fish decreases as the depth increases, while that of Serranus cabrilla increases. This behavior seems to be related to the interspecific competition.
Behavior and feeding
The serrano fish is a solitary and territorial fish, which defends its space with great aggressiveness. This territorial nature leads it to attack its peers if they invade its territory. It does not live in schools, but moves in couples during the breeding season.
Like most members of its family, the Serrano fish is a great predator. It feeds mainly on small fish, which it stalks camouflaged among the rocks. It also consumes crustaceans, polychaetes and mollusks, making it an opportunistic hunter within its marine ecosystem.
Reproduction and hermaphroditism
One of the most interesting aspects of the Serrano fish is that it is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, which means that it has both male and female reproductive organs at the same time. If it does not find a partner during the reproductive season, which occurs between april and july, can self-fertilize. This reproduction mechanism guarantees the continuity of the species even in environments where specimens are scarce.
Fishing and its relationship with humans
The Serrano fish is not a Species especially sought after by sport fishermen, since its size is not large and it does not form large schools. However, it is occasionally captured using fishing techniques. bottom fishing y spinningIt is a voracious fish, so any bait on its territory it will be quickly attacked.
In gastronomy, its meat is tasty, although it has a a large number of thorns, which makes it less appreciated. It is mainly used in the production of fish broths and bouillabaisse.
Curiosities about the serrano fish
- Your name, Serranus scriba, refers to the patterns on his head, which are reminiscent of ancient Arabic symbols.
- It is a solitary fish that only associates with other individuals during the breeding season.
- It belongs to the Serranidae family, which includes species such as the grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) metabolism and gut health”).
Thanks to its striking colouring and territorial behaviour, the sand tigerfish is a fascinating specimen within the marine ecosystem. With its hermaphroditism capacity and hunting strategy, it proves to be a species well adapted to its environment and essential for marine balance.