ROCK SEA BASS – Centropristis philadelphica

Article by: Mark Mayo

Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER

Description: color olive-bronze, with dark blotches forming vertical bars; dark black blotch on middle of dorsalfin base; tip of lower jaw purplish; bright blue and orange stripes and markings on head and fins; fully scaled nape; tail tri-lobed in adults.

Similar fish: bank sea bass, C. ocyurus; other Centropristis.

Where found: OFFSHORE; differs from other sea basses in that it is often found on sandy or muddy bottoms.

Size: small species, rarely more than 10 inches.

Remarks: spawns January through March; young adults are predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow older; maximum size about 10 inches.

Mark Mayo

I research and report on fishing, fishing gear/equipment, survival topics, and marketing for outdoors related businesses. I assist here on CB Fishing as the editor. Articles may contain AI researched content. All content is published for education and entertainment purposes only, NOT LIFE, HEALTH, SURVIVAL, FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, LEGAL OR ANY OTHER ADVICE. Learn more about Mark Mayo