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Black bass (Sebastes melanops) — Sebastidae

Black bass

Sebastes melanops
Family: Sebastidae

The Black bass (Sebastes melanops) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 63 cm.

Length
63 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–366.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The black rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a fairly slender, dark-grey to black body. It lives near rocky reefs in shallow water and over deep banks in the open water, often in schools. As a predator it hunts small fishes, crustaceans and other zooplankton. It is livebearing: the eggs develop inside the female. The fin spines carry venom and can cause painful wounds.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black bass?

The Black bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Black bass live?

The Black bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Black bass get?

The Black bass grows to a maximum of about 63 cm.

Is the Black bass dangerous to humans?

No, the Black bass is harmless to humans.

Is the Black bass edible?

Yes, the Black bass is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwarte zeebaars sourced
English name
Black bass verified
Scientific name
Sebastes melanops
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Black bass; Black rockfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
63.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
366.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
50.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Sebastes

More from the family Sebastidae

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