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Black
Sea Bass (Centropristis
striata)
Description:
Basic color dark brown or black. Dorsal fin has rows and stripes
of white on black. Large males have iridescent blue and ebony
markings, and fatty hump in front of dorsal fin. Females may
have indistinct vertical barrings. Top most ray of caudal
fin may be tri-lobed. Sharp spine near posterior margin of
gill cover.
Similar
fish: Bank sea bass. C. ocyurus or other Centropristis.
Where
found: Structure-loving fish, associated with reefs and
rubble offshore. Smaller specimens often found in inshore
finger channels.
Size:
Common to 1.5 pounds (13 inches).
Remarks:
Spawns January through March. Protogynous hermaphrodites.
Older females becoming breeding males. Omnivorous bottom feeders,
diet including small fish, crustaceans and shellfish.
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