Fin's Fish Guide
The Bank sea bass (Centropristis ocyurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, on hard bottoms, reefs and wrecks of the continental shelf.
Description
The bank sea bass is a small sea bass of the family Serranidae reaching about 30 cm. The stocky, brownish body has faint dark crossbars and yellow and bluish tints, with a stoutly spined dorsal fin. The species lives over hard bottoms, reefs and wrecks of the continental shelf in the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. On the bottom it hunts crustaceans, small fish, molluscs and worms. Like many sea basses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite: most individuals begin as females and later change into males. It is a tasty panfish caught mainly as bycatch of larger sea basses.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bank sea bass?
The Bank sea bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small sea bass with faint dark vertical bars and yellow and blue tints; starts as a female and later becomes a male.
Where does the Bank sea bass live?
The Bank sea bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, on hard bottoms, reefs and wrecks of the continental shelf.
How big does the Bank sea bass get?
The Bank sea bass grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Bank sea bass dangerous to humans?
No, the Bank sea bass is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bank sea bass edible?
Yes, the Bank sea bass is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Centropristis
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Bank sea bass?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bank sea bass is one of 12,519 species in the app.