European bass

fish

Also known as: Dicentrarchus labrax, Morone labrax

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June 26, 2026

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The term "European bass" refers to the species Morone labrax, also known as Dicentrarchus labrax. This fish is found in temperate waters from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, often inhabiting river mouths. It belongs to the family Moronidae, which is sometimes considered a subfamily of Serranidae (sea basses).1

Sea basses, in general, are numerous marine fish found in warm and tropical seas. They are characterized by a perch-like body, large mouths, and a dorsal fin with both spiny and soft-rayed sections. These carnivorous fish feed on a variety of marine life and vary greatly in size, color, and reproductive strategies. The broader category of "bass" encompasses fish from several families, including sea basses, groupers, and sunfishes, many of which are popular food and sport fish.12

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sea bass
The better-known moronids include the European bass (Morone, or Dicentrarchus, labrax), found from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, often in river mouths; the striped bass, or striper, a renowned American food and sport fish striped with black and growing to about 14 kg (30 pounds); the white bass (M. chrysops), a…
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The better-known moronids include the European bass (Morone, or Dicentrarchus, labrax), found from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, often in river mouths; the striped bass, or striper, a renowned American food and sport fish striped with black and growing to about 14 kg (30 pounds); the white bass (M. chrysops), a…
Read More