Limiting and Optimal Temperatures for the Northern Atlantic Population of Black Sea Bass

Abstract

Northern-stock black sea bass Centropristis striata demonstrated upper and lower median lethal temperatures of 33.6°C and 2.7°C, respectively, when temperatures were increased or decreased at a rate of approximately 0.5°C per day. The temperature for optimal growth was 25.6°C. This work, along with information in the literature, indicates that thermal tolerances and preferences do not differ greatly between the northern and southern stocks of black sea bass.