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“Sea bass” is a broad seafood name, not one species. Branzino is European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), black sea bass is Centropristis striata, and Chilean sea bass usually refers to Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides). The FDA’s 2025 Seafood List update also records “Chilean Sea Bass” as a common name for Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni), so check the scientific name when the exact fish matters.
What “sea bass” means
A scientific name identifies a species. Common names can vary by region and may be shared by different fish. The U.S. FDA Seafood List is guidance on acceptable market names for seafood sold in interstate commerce; it is not a universal taxonomy or a guarantee that every menu uses names precisely.
The FDA lists “Sea Bass” as the acceptable market name for European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, and lists “European Sea Bass” and “Branzino” as common names. Other fish discussed here have different scientific names and naming details. For packaged fish, check the full name or scientific species when possible.
The three sea bass names people most often encounter
European sea bass or branzino
European sea bass is Dicentrarchus labrax. The FDA lists “Sea Bass” as its acceptable market name and “European Sea Bass” and “Branzino” as common names. In food contexts, branzino generally means this species. See the FDA record for European sea bass.
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Black sea bass
Black sea bass is Centropristis striata. It is a different species from European sea bass and the toothfish sold as Chilean sea bass. The FDA Seafood List includes this scientific name under Black Sea Bass. See the FDA Seafood List species index.
Chilean sea bass
Chilean sea bass is a market name for toothfish, not a biological bass. The FDA lists “Chilean Sea Bass” as an acceptable market name for Patagonian toothfish, Dissostichus eleginoides, and “Patagonian Toothfish” as a common name.
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The FDA’s 2025 update also records “Chilean Sea Bass” as a common name for Antarctic toothfish, Dissostichus mawsoni. The listing distinguishes the two species: for Antarctic toothfish, it lists “Toothfish” as the acceptable market name and “Chilean Sea Bass” as a common name. Therefore, the name alone may not tell you which toothfish species you are buying. See the FDA records for Patagonian toothfish and the 2025 Seafood List updates.
How the names compare
| Name on a menu or label | Scientific species | FDA naming detail |
|---|---|---|
| Branzino / European sea bass | Dicentrarchus labrax | “Sea Bass” is an acceptable market name; “European Sea Bass” and “Branzino” are common names. |
| Black sea bass | Centropristis striata | Listed by the FDA as Black Sea Bass. |
| Chilean sea bass | Dissostichus eleginoides | For Patagonian toothfish, “Chilean Sea Bass” is an acceptable market name; “Patagonian Toothfish” is a common name. |
| Chilean sea bass (common name) | Dissostichus mawsoni | For Antarctic toothfish, the 2025 FDA update lists “Toothfish” as the acceptable market name and “Chilean Sea Bass” as a common name. |
These names do not make the fish interchangeable. When a label or menu says only “sea bass,” ask which species it means.
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Mercury advice depends on the fish
The FDA/EPA consumer advice places black sea bass in the “Best Choices” category and Chilean sea bass/Patagonian toothfish in “Good Choices.” These are mercury-based categories, not rankings of nutrition, flavor, or sustainability. The retrieved FDA consumer advice does not establish a category for branzino, so do not infer one.
For pregnancy and breastfeeding, the FDA advises two to three 4-ounce servings per week from the Best Choices list, or one serving per week from the Good Choices list. Children should follow the FDA’s age-specific advice. Check the current FDA/EPA advice about eating fish for details.
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How to identify the fish you are buying
- Check the full name. Look for branzino or European sea bass, black sea bass, or toothfish rather than relying on “sea bass” alone.
- Look for the scientific name. The name helps distinguish species that share a common or market name.
- Ask the seller when the label is unclear. For toothfish, ask whether the species is Patagonian or Antarctic toothfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of fish is sea bass?
It depends on the label and context. In the FDA Seafood List, “Sea Bass” is an acceptable market name for European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, but sea bass names are also used for other species. Check the species name to identify the fish.
Is branzino the same as sea bass?
Branzino is a common name for European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. The FDA lists “Sea Bass” as its acceptable market name and “Branzino” as a common name. It is not black sea bass or toothfish.
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- Complete 3-Piece Set for Fish Cleaning and Prep This set includes a 7-inch fillet knife, a 5-inch utility fillet knife, and a knife sharpener to handle fish cleaning, filleting, trimming, and everyday food prep with ease.
- Sharp Stainless Steel Blades for Clean, Precise Cuts Both knives feature stainless steel blades designed for smooth, controlled cutting when filleting fish, trimming meat, removing skin, or preparing bait and ingredients.
- 7-Inch Fillet Knife for Bigger Jobs The 7-inch knife gives you the length and flexibility you need for larger fish, longer cuts, and general prep work at the dock, campsite, or in the kitchen.
- 5-Inch Utility Knife for Detail Work The compact 5-inch knife is great for smaller fish and close-up tasks, with a serrated edge for scaling and a built-in bottle opener hook for added convenience on fishing trips.
- Non-Slip Handles for a Secure, Comfortable Grip Each knife is designed with an ergonomic non-slip handle to help provide better grip, control, and comfort during extended use in wet outdoor conditions or at home.
Is Chilean sea bass really a bass?
No. It is a market or common name used for toothfish, including Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) and, in the FDA’s 2025 update, Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni). Neither is identified as a biological bass by those names.
What is the difference between black sea bass and Chilean sea bass?
They are different fish. Black sea bass is Centropristis striata. Chilean sea bass refers to toothfish: usually Patagonian toothfish, and also listed as a common name for Antarctic toothfish in the FDA’s 2025 update.
Which sea bass is a Best Choice for mercury advice?
The FDA/EPA consumer advice lists black sea bass as a “Best Choice” and Chilean sea bass/Patagonian toothfish as a “Good Choice.” These are mercury guidance categories. Consult the current FDA/EPA advice for the full guidance.
The Bottom Line
“Sea bass” can refer to different fish. Branzino is European sea bass, black sea bass is Centropristis striata, and Chilean sea bass is a name used for toothfish. Because the FDA lists Chilean sea bass differently for Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish, check the species name rather than assuming the label identifies one fish.
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