Black seabass (Centropristis striata) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of ≥ 1 m.
Scientific name: Centropristis striata · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 66 cm
The black seabass is a serranid commonly found around rock jetties and on rocky bottoms in shallow water, recorded from 1 m downwards with no maximum depth recorded for it. It is marketed fresh. Its range is the western Atlantic, from Maine to north-eastern Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and it reaches extreme southern Florida during the coldest periods. Maximum length is about 66 cm total length, commonly about 30 cm, and it can live 20 years, maturing at about 19.1 cm. It is a commercial species, a gamefish and a public aquarium fish, with a very high price category. Fishing vulnerability is low to moderate at 32 of 100 and resilience medium, and climate vulnerability is moderate to high at 46 of 100. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.
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