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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →“Stone bass” can refer to wreckfish (Polyprion americanus), while meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is a different species. NOAA Fisheries lists stone bass as another name for wreckfish; UK and U.S. official seafood sources identify meagre by its own name. Because common names vary, check the scientific name and the labeling rules where the fish is sold.
Stone bass, wreckfish, and meagre: the difference
| Fish | Scientific name | What the sources say about its name |
|---|---|---|
| Wreckfish | Polyprion americanus | NOAA Fisheries lists “stone bass” and “sea bass” as alternate names. |
| Meagre | Argyrosomus regius | The UK government lists “Meagre” as its commercial designation. The U.S. FDA lists “meagre” as its common name and “Croaker or Shadefish” as acceptable U.S. market names. |
These are separate species, not alternate scientific names for the same fish. NOAA’s U.S. seafood profile uses “stone bass” for wreckfish, and a Mediterranean oceanographic institute also uses that name for wreckfish. Those usages do not establish what every seller or region means by the name.
For U.S. seafood labels, the FDA cautions that vernacular cross-reference names generally are not acceptable for interstate labeling and that their use may result in seafood misbranding. Check the applicable market rules as well as the species name.
How to tell wreckfish from meagre
The most dependable distinction is the scientific name on a credible label or source. NOAA provides appearance details for wreckfish, but the research sources for this article do not provide enough comparable meagre morphology for a reliable visual comparison.
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| Identification clue | Wreckfish | Meagre |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Polyprion americanus | Argyrosomus regius |
| Appearance supported by the cited sources | NOAA describes a large head and mouth, bluish-gray back, silvery belly, blackish-brown fins, and a rough bony ridge on the upper gill cover. | The cited official naming sources establish the species name but do not supply enough comparative appearance details for a safe visual diagnosis. |
Color and appearance alone should not be used to identify a fillet. When the scientific name is absent, ask the seller for the species and the market designation used for that product.
Where wreckfish lives
NOAA Fisheries describes wreckfish as a western Atlantic species, ranging from the Grand Banks to the La Plata River. Adults are associated with deep water, rocky bottoms, and reefs. NOAA reports a habitat depth of 140–3,300 feet.
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These range and habitat details apply to wreckfish, not to meagre. Do not transfer them to a fish identified only by the ambiguous common name “stone bass.”
Eating wreckfish
NOAA Fisheries describes wreckfish as mild but distinct in flavor, with firm, large-flake meat. Those seafood descriptions are specific to wreckfish and should not be assumed to describe meagre.
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NOAA reports that wreckfish typically weigh 40–60 pounds and measure 2.5–4 feet long, with a reported maximum of 220 pounds and 6.5 feet. NOAA also says some wreckfish live more than 70 years. These are NOAA’s reported figures for wreckfish, not meagre.
Fishing and sustainability context
NOAA Fisheries says U.S. wreckfish are managed by NOAA Fisheries and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Its seafood profile describes U.S. wild-caught wreckfish as a smart seafood choice under U.S. management and says the stock is not overfished and is not subject to overfishing. NOAA notes that this status statement is supported by a 2014 stock assessment and 2024 catch data; it is not a claim about meagre or every fishery worldwide.
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Fishing rules are jurisdiction-specific and can change. Check current local regulations before fishing for, landing, or selling wreckfish.
How to check what a label means
- Look for the scientific name. Polyprion americanus is wreckfish; Argyrosomus regius is meagre.
- Check the market and country. Common and commercial names vary, and labeling rules differ by jurisdiction.
- Ask the seller if the name is unclear. Request the species name and the applicable commercial designation.
- Do not rely on “bass” or color alone. Common names can overlap, and the dossier does not support visual identification of meagre against wreckfish.
FAQ
Is stone bass the same as wreckfish?
In NOAA Fisheries’ U.S. seafood usage, “stone bass” is an alternate name for wreckfish, Polyprion americanus. Common names can vary, so confirm the scientific name rather than relying on the common name alone.
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Is meagre another name for wreckfish?
No. Meagre is Argyrosomus regius, a separate species. The UK government lists “Meagre” as its commercial designation, and the FDA identifies it separately in the U.S. Seafood List.
How can I identify stone bass on a package?
Look for the scientific name and check the market’s commercial-labeling rules. If the name is missing or unclear, ask the seller to identify the species.
What does wreckfish look like?
NOAA describes wreckfish as having a large head and mouth, bluish-gray back, silvery belly, blackish-brown fins, and a rough bony ridge on the upper gill cover. These cues describe wreckfish; they do not provide a side-by-side visual test for distinguishing it from meagre.
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