Rock Seabass
Rock Sea Bass
Centropristis philadelphica

Description:

Robust elongated body that tapers toward a double marginate tail. Large forward-facing mouth, extends to under center of eye. Dark vertical bars/bands along length of body. Dorsal fin spines are elongate, with first few spines having filament extending past tip of spine. Dark spot/patch in the middle of dorsal fin. Fins and scales mostly brown/grayish in color with hints of blue, yellow, and green. Spots on fins which may be red, brown, orange, blue, yellow, or green.

Average Maximum Size:

25.5 cm (10 in)

Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Rock Sea Bass can be distinguished from the Bank Sea Bass by the presence of a dark spot at the base of the middle of the dorsal fin which the Bank Sea Bass and Black Sea Bass lack. The Rock Sea Bass, Bank Sea Bass, and Black Sea Bass all possess fleshy skin tabs extending from their spiny dorsal rays. The skin flaps of the Rock Sea Bass may appear more prominently elongated.

Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:

Range:

Virginia to Mexico

Habitat:

Found in coastal waters with hard or soft bottoms. For hard bottom waters, can be found amongst jetties, reefs, rocks, etc. In soft bottom waters, can be found in oyster reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

Notes:

Regulated Species:

No

Regulations Website:

Species: Centropristis philadelphica
Family: Serranidae
Family Description: Grouper and Sea Bass
Mouth Type: Terminal
Tail Type: Double Emarginate
Dorsal Type: Single

Similar Species

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100_SeaBassBlack_JuvFP
Black Sea Bass
Bank Sea Bass
Bank Sea Bass