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.