Fin's Fish Guide
The Black jewfish (Stereolepis gigas) is a saltwater fish of the family Polyprionidae that grows up to 250 cm.
Description
The giant sea bass is an enormous perch-like fish of the wreckfish family (Polyprionidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 2.5 metres and can weigh hundreds of kilos; it has a robust, dark body that becomes uniformly grey-black with age. Adults live on rocky bottoms near shore, outside kelp beds and along steep drop-offs. As a slow apex predator it feeds on fishes, crustaceans and squid. The species grows slowly and becomes very old; owing to heavy overfishing in the twentieth century its populations collapsed and it is listed as Critically Endangered (CR). It is curious but harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black jewfish?
The Black jewfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Enormous, long-lived apex predator up to 2.5 m; critically endangered (CR) through historical overfishing.
Where does the Black jewfish live?
The Black jewfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; rocky bottoms near the coast, outside kelp forests.
How big does the Black jewfish get?
The Black jewfish grows to a maximum of about 250 cm.
Is the Black jewfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black jewfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black jewfish edible?
The Black jewfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Polyprionidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black jewfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.