Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackear bass (Serranus atrobranchus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Western Atlantic; from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico (USA) to southern Brazil; soft and mixed bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The blackear bass is a small bass of the family Serranidae from the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 19 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a dark spot on the gill cover, to which its name refers. It lives on soft and mixed bottoms of the continental shelf. As a small bottom predator it hunts small crustaceans and fishes. Like other members of the genus Serranus the species is a simultaneous hermaphrodite: each individual has both male and female gonads at once. Owing to its modest size it is of limited fishery interest and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackear bass?
The Blackear bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Dark blotch on the operculum; simultaneous hermaphrodite.
Where does the Blackear bass live?
The Blackear bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico (USA) to southern Brazil; soft and mixed bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Blackear bass get?
The Blackear bass grows to a maximum of about 19 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Blackear bass dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackear bass is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackear bass edible?
The Blackear bass is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Serranus
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackear bass?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackear bass is one of 12,519 species in the app.