Blacktail Comber

Overview

The Blacktail Comber (Serranus atricauda) is a predatory marine fish commonly found in the Eastern Atlantic and occasionally in the Mediterranean. As a member of the sea bass family, it is typically observed as a solitary, territorial species inhabiting rocky environments.

Distribution & habitat

This species is distributed along the Eastern Atlantic coast, ranging from the Bay of Biscay and the Azores south to the Canary Islands, Morocco, and Guinea-Bissau. It is primarily a demersal fish that favors hard, rocky bottoms, though it may also be found near seagrass beds or on muddy substrates.

Appearance

The Blacktail Comber has an elongated, laterally compressed body with a slightly pointed snout. Its coloration features light vertical stripes that create irregular, dark rectangular or H-shaped patterns along its sides, often accompanied by a horizontal white band running from the head toward the tail. As its common name suggests, the caudal fin is generally dark, and the eyes are often highlighted by an orange border.

Biology & behavior

This species is a synchronous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs simultaneously. It is known for its territorial nature and may display intimidating behavior if approached by divers. The Blacktail Comber is a carnivore that relies on visual cues to hunt, feeding primarily on smaller fish and various crustaceans.