Most of the information out there on black sea basses is about their “mild, delicate flavor.” They’re a popular food source, yes, but what I find more interesting is their dramatic color transformation as they age.
Believe it or not, all those fish are from the same species. The adult black sea bass is, well, completely black, while the babies are orange with transparent fins and black polka dots. These fish can also change gender; they first mature as females and later become males. They’re called protogynous hermaphrodites, as opposed to sea hares which are simultaneous hermaphrodites.
I’ll leave you with a matching sea hare family portrait.
~Adlysia
adlysia 