Family Acropomatidae - temperate
ocean-basses
The acropomatids are basslike fishes with two dorsal fins. They are marine
fishes found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Giant sea bass were
once common in southern California but over fishing has caused their numbers to
decline.
Giant sea bass- Stereolepis gigas
Remarks: Rare along the
California coast; only one specimen documented in the bay. Early in this century
overfishing drastically reduced the
population.
Identification: Mature specimens dark brown or
blackish and lighter below. Dorsal fin has more spines than soft rays. To a
length of 226cm. and over 227kg.
Range: Humboldt Bay to
Gulf of California but rare north of southern California.