temperate ocean bass

The term "bass" refers to a large group of fish, many of which are prized for food or sport. Most bass belong to three families within the order Perciformes: Serranidae (sea bass and grouper), Moronidae (striped and European basses), and Centrarchidae (sunfishes, including large and smallmouth basses).1

Sea bass, primarily marine fish found in warm and tropical seas, are characterized by a perchlike body, small scales, a large mouth, and a dorsal fin with spiny and soft-rayed sections. They are carnivorous, feeding on various marine life. While many species are known as sea bass, the family also includes fish called hamlets, hinds, conies, graysbies, groupers, and jewfish. Some sea bass are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, while others can change sex during their lifetime.2

The family Moronidae, sometimes classified as a subfamily of Serranidae, includes about six species of sea bass found in more northern, temperate waters. These fish have two separate dorsal fins and include species like the striped bass and European bass, some of which can enter rivers to spawn.2