Fish sea wolf (sea bass): description, habitat, useful properties

The sea wolf (sea bass) belongs to the delicacy species of fish. This fish is widespread in many seas and oceans, while it has more than one name. For us, the sea wolf is known by the name sea bass. This article will talk about the distinctive features of the behavior of this fish, habitat, useful properties and fishing methods.

Sea bass fish: description

Seabass is a member of the Moronov family and is considered a predatory fish.

The fish has several names. For example:

• Seabass.
• Sea wolf.
• Koykan.
• Sea bass.
• Branzino.
• Common lavender.
• Spigola.
• Marine bass.

The presence of so many names indicates the distribution of this fish and its high culinary characteristics. Since the inhabitants of many countries used the sea bass for food, it received the corresponding names.

At present, due to the active catch of this fish, its stocks have sharply decreased and in some countries the industrial catch of sea bass is prohibited, since it is listed in the Red Book.

Therefore, the fish that ends up on store shelves is most likely grown artificially in salt water reservoirs.

Seabass species

To date, it is known about 2 types of sea bass:

1. About the common sea bass that inhabits the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. About the Chilean sea bass, which is found off the coast of the western Atlantic, as well as within the Black and Mediterranean Seas.

Appearance

The common seabass has an elongated body and a strong skeleton, while it has quite a few bones. The belly of the sea bass is painted in a light tone, and there are silvery areas on the sides. There are 2 fins on the back, and the front one is distinguished by the presence of sharp spikes. The body of the sea bass is covered with rather large scales.

Basically, an ordinary sea bass can reach a length of no more than 0,5 meters, while gaining a maximum weight of about 12 kilograms. The life expectancy of a sea bass is on average about 15 years, although there are also centenarians who have lived up to 30 years.

Chilean (black) sea bass inhabits the western coast of the Atlantic and is distinguished by its dark color. Depending on the habitat conditions, it can have a color from gray to brown. The Chilean sea bass has fins with sharp rays on its back, and the fish itself prefers deep places with cool water.

Habitat

Sea bass fish inhabit both the western and eastern parts of the Atlantic. In addition, the sea wolf is found:

• In the Black and Mediterranean Seas.
• In the waters of Norway, as well as off the coast of countries such as Morocco and Senegal.
• In artificially created reservoirs of Italy, Spain and France.

Seabass prefers to stay closer to the coasts, as well as to the mouths of the rivers, choosing not deep places. At the same time, the sea bass is able to make long-distance migrations in search of food.

Behavior

The most active sea bass is at night, and during the day it rests at a depth, directly at the bottom. At the same time, it can be located both at depth and in the water column.

The sea wolf is a predatory species of fish that stays in ambush for a long time, tracking down its prey. Catching the right moment, the fish attacks its prey. Thanks to the large mouth, he simply swallows it in a matter of moments.

Spawning

Starting from 2-4 years of age, the sea wolf is able to lay eggs. Basically, this period falls on winter, and only the fish that inhabits the southern regions lay eggs in the spring. The sea wolf spawns in conditions when the water temperature reaches a mark of at least +12 degrees.

The young sea bass keeps in a few flocks, where it gains weight. After a certain period of growth, when the seabass gains the desired weight, the fish leave the flocks, starting an independent lifestyle.

Diet

The sea wolf is a marine predator, so its diet consists of:

• From small fish.
• From shellfish.
• From shrimp.
• From crabs.
• From sea worms.

The seabass is very fond of sardines. In the summer, he makes long trips to places where sardines live.

Artificial Breeding

Sea bass is distinguished by tasty and quite healthy meat, so it is bred in artificial conditions. In addition, the stocks of this fish in the natural environment are limited. At the same time, artificially grown fish is more fatty, which means more high-calorie. The average commercial weight of individuals is about 0,5 kg. Artificially grown sea bass is cheaper than caught in natural conditions, especially since its populations are small and it is listed in the Red Book.

Sea bass fishing

This predatory fish can be caught in two ways:

• Spinning.
• Fly fishing gear.

Each of the methods has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Catching sea bass on spinning

Spinning fishing involves the use of artificial lures. Any silver baubles or artificial fish are suitable for catching sea bass. The seabass bites well on baits imitating mackerel or sand eel.

As a rule, a spinning reel with a small multiplier is placed on the rod. The length of the rod is selected within 3-3,5 meters. Fishing is carried out from the steep shore, where the sea bass swims to feast on small fish. Long distance casts are usually not necessary.

fly fishing

To catch a marine predator, you should choose voluminous lures that are more like the silhouette of a fish. When fishing at night, black and red lures should be chosen. With the advent of dawn, you should switch to lighter baits, and in the morning switch to red, blue or white baits.

For catching sea bass, fly fishing tackle of class 7-8 is suitable, designed for catching fish in salt water.

Useful properties of sea bass

Nowadays, this fish is bred in most European countries. Naturally, the most valuable is the one that has grown in the natural environment. It is believed that the meat of sea bass caught in the natural environment is a delicacy product, in contrast to what is grown in an artificial environment.

The presence of vitamins

In sea bass meat, the presence of such vitamins is noted:

• Vitamin “A”.
• Vitamin “RR”.
• Vitamin “D”.
• Vitamin “V1”.
• Vitamin “V2”.
• Vitamin “V6”.
• Vitamin “V9”.
• Vitamin “V12”.

Presence of trace elements

Omega 3 fatty acids and other trace elements were found in sea bass meat:

• Chromium.
• Iodine.
• Cobalt.
• Phosphorus.
• Calcium.
• Iron.

In any case, it is better to give preference not to artificially grown fish, but to those caught in natural conditions. If this is not possible, then an artificially grown seabass is also suitable.

Caloric value

100 grams of sea bass meat contains:

• 82 CALC.
• 1,5 grams of fat.
• 16,5 grams of proteins.
• 0,6 grams of carbohydrates.

Противопоказания

The sea wolf, like most other seafood, is contraindicated in people who have personal intolerance that causes allergies.

Use in cooking

The meat of the sea wolf has a delicate taste, and the meat itself has a delicate texture. In this regard, the sea bass was ranked as a premium class fish. Due to the fact that there are few bones in the fish, it is prepared according to various recipes.

As a rule, sea bass:

• Bake.
• Roast.
• They are boiling.
• Stuffed.

Seabass cooked in salt

In the Mediterranean, sea bass is prepared according to one, but very tasty recipe.

To do this, you must have:

• Sea bass fish, weighing up to 1,5 kilograms.
• A mixture of ordinary and sea salt.
• Three egg whites.
• 80 ml water.

Method of preparation:

1. The fish is cleaned and cut. Fins and entrails are removed.
2. The salty mixture is mixed with egg whites and water, after which this mixture is laid out in an even layer on the foil, laid on a baking sheet.
3. The prepared sea bass carcass is laid on top, and again covered with a layer of salt and proteins on top.
4. The fish is placed in the oven, where it is baked for half an hour at a temperature of 220 degrees.
5. After readiness, salt and proteins are separated from the fish. As a rule, the fish skin is also separated along with this composition.
6. Served with fresh vegetables or salad.

Seabass fish is a tasty and healthy fish if it is caught in natural conditions. Thanks to its tender meat and delicate taste, it is present in many dishes, including haute cuisine prepared in elite restaurants.

Unfortunately, not every angler will be able to catch this delicious fish. It is also not easy to find it on store shelves, since it was listed in the Red Book. Despite this, it is bred in many European countries. Although it is not so useful, it is still possible to eat it.