Body oblong and compressed. Preopercle rounded with fine serrae at the posterior margin; posterior part of opercle with 3 flat spines. Top of head scaleless. Third and fourth dorsal spines longer than other spines. Bases of soft portions of dorsal and anal fins without scales. Caudal fin truncate. Body brown, yellowish brown ventrally; 7 vertical dark brown bars on ventral part of body; a large dark brown blotch edged with a pale yellowish brown line on pectoral base; pectoral, pelvic and anal fins dark brown.
Distribution:
Venezuela and Suriname.
Remarks:
The genus Serranus is saparable from other serranids by having 10 dorsal spines, no scales on the bases of soft portions of the dorsal and anal fins, and relatively elongated body. This species is easily distinguishable from other species of Serranus by having much longer third and fourth dorsal spines. (Matsuura)