Description
Body rather elongate, with the lateral line extending onto the caudal fin, usually reaching the posterior margin; dorsal fin with 7-8 spines either divided or separated by a distinct gap from 8-11 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 6-9 soft rays; caudal fin rounded, truncate, or forked, with 17 principal rays; a scaly axillary process over each pelvic fin; scales are ctenoid.
Distribution
Small family of marine or brackish-water fishes, comprising some 20 species, found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans, or in freshwater in Africa. Especially Lates species are voracious carnivores, feeding mostly on fishes.
Recent revision: Greenwood, 1976.
Species included on this CD-rom:
Lates calcarifer (Bloch)