Least Concern· population stable· assessed 2015

Painted comber

Serranus scriba

Sighting evidence at Ses Monges Wall, Menorca

Photo: MatiasG · CC BY-NC

A simultaneous hermaphrodite and one of the most colourful small predators in Mediterranean reefs, Serranus scriba hunts small fish and invertebrates from perches on the rock surface. Its striking red-brown marbling with blue highlights makes it a favourite photography subject. It is non-migratory and extremely site-faithful, making it a consistent feature on every dive along the wall.

Evidence at this site

13 records within 25 km

Confidence: medium

Last confirmed Jul 2026

Seasonality

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How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Painted comber

Evidence at this site

Seasonality

Also seen at other sites