[2] Molecular phylogenetics as used in more modern classifications has meant that the Spariformes is recognised as a valid order within the Percomorpha containing six families, with the Centrarchidae retained in the Perciformes, and Callanthidae, Sillaginidae and Lobotidae included.

[3] Other workers have found that the Centrarchidae is synonymous with Sparidae and that the Spariformes contains only the remaining three families of the "Sparoid lineage".

[3] This family has been subdivided into two subfamilies by some authors, the monotypic Lethrininae, containing the genus Lethrinus and the Monotaxinae, containing the remaining genera.

The terminal mouth varies in size from small to medium-sized and has thick, fleshy lips and a potrusible upper jaw.

The teeth type and jaw structure depend on the diet, for example, species such as the humpnose big-eye bream (Monotaxis grandoculis) possesses large, well-developed molar-like teeth with a short, blunt snout and preys largely on molluscs, sea urchins and other hard-shelled benthic invertebrates while species such as Lethrinus olivaceus has jaws equipped with conical teeth at the sides and a long, sloping snout and its prey is largely other fishes and crustaceans.