Fin's Fish Guide
The Leather bass (Dermatolepis dermatolepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The leather bass is a large grouper from the eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru and the Galapagos. The species grows to about 100 cm and has a deep, greyish-brown body with paler spots and thick, leathery skin. As a reef predator it shelters in crevices and caves and hunts small fish and crustaceans. It is a valued food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Leather bass?
The Leather bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Deep body with thick leathery skin; reef predator
Where does the Leather bass live?
The Leather bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Leather bass get?
The Leather bass grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Leather bass dangerous to humans?
No, the Leather bass is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Leather bass edible?
Yes, the Leather bass is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dermatolepis
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Leather bass?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Leather bass is one of 12,519 species in the app.