Fin's Fish Guide
The Yellowtail bass (Bathyanthias mexicanus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The yellowtail bass is a small bass of the family Serranidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, reddish to yellowish body with yellowish fins. It lives on rocky bottoms and deeper reefs of the continental shelf and upper slope, below normal diving depth. As a small predator it feeds on small crustaceans, small fishes and other small animals. Like many sea basses it is probably a protogynous hermaphrodite. Owing to its life at greater depth the species is rarely seen and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yellowtail bass?
The Yellowtail bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Small, red-yellow bass of deeper reefs; probably a protogynous hermaphrodite.
Where does the Yellowtail bass live?
The Yellowtail bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; rocky bottoms and deeper reefs.
How big does the Yellowtail bass get?
The Yellowtail bass grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Yellowtail bass dangerous to humans?
No, the Yellowtail bass is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Yellowtail bass edible?
The Yellowtail bass is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Yellowtail bass?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellowtail bass is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Yellowtail bass?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellowtail bass is one of 12,519 species in the app.