Sea bass are rather perchlike fish. The more or less elongated body has small scales, the mouth is large, and the tail is generally straight-edged or rounded. The dorsal fin, a diagnostic feature, consists of a forward, spiny section and a hinder, soft-rayed section; the two portions are usually joined but may be separated by a notch.
Sea bass is a white fish that has a mild delicate flavor with a subtle sweetness that is similar to grouper or cod. The flesh is moist, buttery, and tender, with firm medium-sized flakes like haddock. Sea bass is an excellent choice for people with a sensitive palate that don’t enjoy “fishy tasting” seafood. On a flavor scale, this fish would be placed at the opposite end from anchovies or sardines.