[2][3] The latter name refers to their small mouth compared to their close relatives, the largemouths of the genus Serranochromis.

[3][4] Some of the species that feed heavily on aquatic snails have been used for biological pest control.

[3] Depending on the exact species, they reach a maximum total length of 20 to 48 cm (8–19 in).

[2] Sargochromis support important local fisheries,[3] and some are also considered game fish.

[8] In the past, Sargochromis was considered a subgenus of Serranochromis,[3] but today it is generally recognized as a separate genus.