Blackfish, Atlantic Sea Bass, Rock Bass, Pinbass, Tallywag
Centropristis striata
Description:
Robust body that tapers down to a truncate tail. Body may appear uniform in color from dark brown or gray, or may exhibit dark gray, brown/tan, gray-blue coloring with dark bars unevenly spaced across length of body. Large mouth: when closed the corner of the mouth extends under middle of eye. Single dorsal fin supported with sharp spines. Edge of each scale is dark while the center is pearl in color.
Average Maximum Size:
30.5 cm (12 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Black Sea Bass's truncate tail fin, shorter dorsal spine filaments, and generally darker coloration distinguish it from the Rock Sea Bass.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juvenile Black Sea Bass will have one of four color phases: overall light gray phase with small dark spots; dark phase with pale white spots; striped phase with a horizontal dark stripe; and a barred phase having six vertical bars.
Range:
Maine to Gulf of Mexico
Habitat:
Shallow coastal waters around rocks, jetties, and reefs. Stays near the bottom.
