Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER Centropristis ocyurus
Description: pale olive or brassy brown in color with indistinct black blotches that form vertical barrings (the blotch above pectoral fin darker); wavy blue lines on head; lips purplish-blue; caudal fin tri-lobed on adults; edge of nape unscaled.
Similar Fish: rock sea bass C. philadelphica; other Centropristis.
Where found: OFFSHORE in deep water with rocks and reefs.
Size: usually 0.3 pound (8 inches).
*Florida Record: n/a
Remarks: undergoes sex change, starting life as female, changing to male after three or four spawning seasons; feeds on the bottom, taking squid, crustaceans, and small fish.
* The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.
