The Harlequin Bass, Serranus tigrinus, has black stripes and bars forming irregular rectangles on its body, with a unique pointed snout with a yellow chin and belly. They are best kept singly, as they can be territorial but can be housed with other lager fish. Having plenty of live rock is also suggested as a darker environment is preferred. They are very hardy, making they easy to acclimate and care for.

Due to their predatory nature, they are not good reef dwellers since they will eat smaller fish and invertebrates present in tank, though they will not eat or bother any corals. Diet should include a variety of live feeder marine fish and feeder shrimp as well as chopped meaty preparations including shrimp, krill, fish, crab and squid, 1-2 times daily.