Fin's Fish Guide
The Painted comber (Serranus scriba) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 36 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, above rocks and seagrass in shallow water.
Description
The painted comber is a small, colourful sea perch of the family Serranidae reaching about 36 cm. The brownish body has several dark cross-bars, a pale-blue patch on the belly and, on the head, a pattern of blue, winding lines resembling writing, from which the species takes its name. It lives over rocks and seagrass in shallow water of the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. As a territorial ambush hunter it seizes small fish, crustaceans and squid. Notably, the painted comber is a simultaneous hermaphrodite: each individual carries both male and female organs at once and can thus spawn with any conspecific. It is a much-caught pan and sport fish in the Mediterranean region.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Painted comber?
The Painted comber has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small comber with blue, winding 'writing marks' on the head and a light blue blotch on the belly; simultaneous hermaphrodite. Please note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Painted comber live?
The Painted comber lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, above rocks and seagrass in shallow water.
How big does the Painted comber get?
The Painted comber grows to a maximum of about 36 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Painted comber dangerous to humans?
No, the Painted comber is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Painted comber edible?
Yes, the Painted comber is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Painted comber and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Serranus
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Painted comber?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Painted comber is one of 12,519 species in the app.