Serranus subligarius

Behavior:

Belted sandfish, also known as dwarf sea bass, are members of the grouper family. They are not generally associated with coral reefs and are rarely seen as far south as the Florida Keys, but may be present on artificial reefs and rocky ledges in the Gulf of Mexico and north to the Carolinas. They generally eat small fish and crustaceans in the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk.

Predators:

Grouper, snapper and eels.

Did you know?

The scientific name of the belted sandfish Serranus subligarius means “wearing a truss,” which is believed to refer to the truss-like pattern of white crossbands on the body of this species.