Centropristis striata

(Black Sea Bass)

Size

Maximum of 62cm (2 feet), but usually 6-18"

Recognition Characters

Pale-centered scales form puncuated narrow white stripes along the side.

Color

Bluish black to gray and brown; white borderson the dorsal and caudal fin

Habitat & Depth

Commonly found around the ledges of the reef

Distribution at GRNMS

Abundant.

Geographic Range

Maine to Northeastern Florida; May occassionally reach South Florida

Behavior & Notes

Sometimes wary but can very bold and interact with divers; typically seen resting on the bottom, hoisted by their pectoral and anal fins

Synonyms

References