Centropristis striata

Behavior:

Black sea bass are found along much of the U.S. Atlantic coast, from Maine to Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico. Juveniles are brown in color, and prefer shallow, coastal waters, while adults are dark black and prefer structured habitats, such as jetties, piers, reefs and ledges. They feed primarily on crabs, shrimps, barnacles, worms, tunicates and small fish.

Predators:

Sharks, mackerel and swordfish.