Description: Basic color dark brown or black. Dorsal fin has rows and stripes of white on black. Large males have iridescent blue and ebony markings, and fatty hump in front of dorsal fin. Females may have indistinct vertical barrings. Top most ray of caudal fin may be tri-lobed. Sharp spine near posterior margin of gill cover.

Similar fish: Bank sea bass. C. ocyurus or other Centropristis.

Where found: Structure-loving fish, associated with reefs and rubble offshore. Smaller specimens often found in inshore finger channels.

Size: Common to 1.5 pounds (13 inches).

Remarks: Spawns January through March. Protogynous hermaphrodites. Older females becoming breeding males. Omnivorous bottom feeders, diet including small fish, crustaceans and shellfish.