Saltwater Fishing Information for the Texas Gulf Coast, Inshore and Offshore
 |
|
CURRENT MOON
|
BLACK SEA BASS - Centropristis striata Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Description: basic color dark brown or black; dorsal fin
has rows and stripes of white on black; large males
have iridescent blue and ebony markings, and fatty
hump in front of dorsal fin; females may have
indistinct vertical barrings; topmost ray of caudal
fin much elongated in adults; caudal may be
tri-lobed; sharp spine near posterior margin of
gill cover.
Similar fish: bank sea bass, C. ocyurus;
other Centropristis.
Where found: structure-loving fish, associated with
reefs and rubble OFFSHORE; smaller specimens often found in
INSHORE finger channels.
Size: common to 1.5 pounds (13 inches).
Remarks: spawns January through March; protogynous
hermaphrodites, older females becoming breeding males; omnivorous
bottom feeders, diet including small fish, crustaceans, and shellfish.
