Black Seabass(Centropristis striata)

The body of the black seabass is stout and robust with a large head, pointy snout and large oblique mouth. The eye is set high and there is one sharp flat spine located near the caudal end of the operculum. Large scales cover the body of this fish, but it is naked at the head. It is a smoky gray, dusky brown or blue-black above, fading to a slightly paler color underside. The center roof each scale is pale blue to white which forms longitudinal stripes along the back and sides of the fish.

The black seabass is common around rock jetties and over rocky bottoms in shallow water, however, they have also been reported in offshore waters. Most of their time is spent along the bottom substrate, often forming congregations around formations on the bottom such as rock piles, wrecks, piers and pilings.

Black seabass are carnivorous bottom feeders, feeding primarily on crabs and shrimp.

The black seabags is highly sought after by both recreational and commercial anglers. When caught on hook and line, this species provides a good fight making it fun to catch on light tackle. The mean is considered high quality; it is marketed fresh and either fried, broiled or baked for human consumption.