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Cave Bass (Liopropoma mowbrayi) — Serranidae

Cave Bass

Liopropoma mowbrayi
Family: Serranidae
LC · Least Concern

The Cave Bass (Liopropoma mowbrayi) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
30.0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The cave basslet is a small sea bass (Serranidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species is small, slender and handsomely coloured in red-brown and yellow tints. It lives solitary and concealed in rocky and reef areas, where by day it hides deep in cracks, caves and under overhangs. At night it cautiously emerges to hunt small crustaceans and fishes. Through its shy way of life it is rarely seen. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cave Bass?

The Cave Bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Cave Bass live?

The Cave Bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Cave Bass get?

The Cave Bass grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Cave Bass dangerous to humans?

No, the Cave Bass is harmless to humans.

Is the Cave Bass edible?

The Cave Bass is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kabouterzeebaars sourced
English name
Cave Bass verified
Scientific name
Liopropoma mowbrayi
Family
Serranidae
Other names
Cave bass; Cave basslet; Ridgeback basslet verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
30.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Liopropoma

More from the family Serranidae

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