The Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) is a species of fish that belongs to the family Serranidae. It is a common inhabitant of the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coast of the United States.
Description & Characteristics
Centropristis striata is easily recognizable by its elongated body shape, which can reach a maximum size of 66.0 cm. The fish has a dark, almost black, coloration with distinct white stripes running along its sides. This distinctive pattern is what gives the species its common name, the Black Sea Bass.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Black Sea Bass is typically found in rocky reefs, wrecks, and other hard-bottom structures. It prefers depths ranging from the intertidal zone to over 200 meters. The distribution of Centropristis striata spans the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Nova Scotia, Canada, down to the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is particularly abundant in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, a marine zone known for its rich biodiversity. The Black Sea Bass plays a significant role in these coastal ecosystems, contributing to the intricate food web.
Taxonomy
The species Centropristis striata belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification places it within the group of ray-finned fishes that includes a wide variety of familiar species, such as perch, bass, and grouper.
Feeding
Centropristis striata is a predatory fish with a diverse diet. It feeds on a variety of organisms, including amphipods, crabs, small fish, invertebrates, krill, mantis shrimps, mysids, rock shrimps, and zoobenthos. This diet is essential to its role in the marine ecosystem, keeping populations of prey species in check and contributing to the balance of the food web.
Image References