Fin's Fish Guide
The European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Moronidae that grows up to 103 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea; enters estuaries and river mouths.
Description
The European seabass is a slender, powerful predator of the family Moronidae reaching about 1 metre. The streamlined body is silvery-grey with a darker back and bears two separate dorsal fins, the first of which is spiny; juveniles often have a dark spot on the gill cover. The seabass is euryhaline: it tolerates both salt and brackish water and enters estuaries and river mouths. It lives along the eastern Atlantic coast, in the North Sea and the Mediterranean, and hunts in schools for small fish, shrimps and crabs, often in the surf and in tidal channels. The seabass is one of the most prized sport and food fish of the region, so its stock is strictly managed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European seabass?
The European seabass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver predator with two separate dorsal fins, a spiny first dorsal fin and a compact dark blotch on the operculum.
Where does the European seabass live?
The European seabass lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea; enters estuaries and river mouths.
How big does the European seabass get?
The European seabass grows to a maximum of about 103 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the European seabass dangerous to humans?
No, the European seabass is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the European seabass edible?
Yes, the European seabass is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the European seabass and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dicentrarchus
More from the family Moronidae
Want the complete picture on the European seabass?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the European seabass is one of 12,519 species in the app.