click fish to navigate |
Black
Sea BassFamily Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Centropristis striata
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description: basic color dark brown
or black; dorsal fin has rows and stripes of white
on black; large males have irridescent blue and
ebony markings, and fatty hump in front of dorsal
fin; females may have indistinct vertical barrings;
topmost ray of caudal fin much elongated in adults;
caudal may be tri-lobed; sharp spine near posterior
margin of gill cover.
Similar Fish: bank
sea bass C. ocyurus; other Centropristis.
Where found: structure-loving fish, associated with
reefs and rubble OFFSHORE; smaller specimens often
found INSHORE finger channels.
Size: common to 1.5 pounds (13 inches).
Are being caught to 5 lbs., 1 oz.
Remarks: spawns January through March; protogynous
hermaphrodites, older females becoming breeding
males; omnivorous bottom feeders, diet including
small fish, |
