Fusiform body has a yellow to cream white background with dark patches that may form five to six vertical bars. Its tail is double marginate with three points. The dorsal and tail (caudal) fin may have blackish spots. There is no dark spot between the first (spiny) and second (soft) dorsal fins.
Average Maximum Size:
30 cm (12 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Bank Sea Bass lack the spot between the first and second dorsal fin that Rock Sea Bass have.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
North Carolina to the Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan
Habitat:
Prefers hard bottom substrate and sandy shell bottoms near reefs. Rare in mud bottom estuaries.
