The genus Aethaloperca is closely related to Cephalopholis and Gracila which also have IX dorsal-fin spines and several trisegmental pterygiophores in the dorsal and anal fin. Smith-Vaniz et al. (1988) discussed the relationships of these genera, and Heemstra and Randall (1993) agree with their decision to recognize Aethaloperca as a valid genus. It differs from Cephalopholis and Gracila in the configuration of the pectoral and median fins and in some cranial features (the anteriorly converging parietal crests and the well-developed median crest on the frontals that extends to the rear edge of the ethmoidal depression). Aethaloperca also differs from Gracila in the shape of the maxilla and in having a larger head and deeper body.