The blackfin seabass (Lateolabrax latus) is a Perciforme fish in the family lateolabracidae, found primarily in the shallow waters of the Pacific coast of Asia, in Japan and in South Korea. There are only two species in the genus Lateolabrax, known as Asian seabasses. As a perciforme, the blackfin seabass is among the largest order of fish in the ocean. Blackfin seabass live in shallow, tidal or rocky surf zones, partially as a way to escape competition with the Japanese seabass Lateolabrax japonicus, a close and almost identical relative of theirs, and partially for the breeding opportunity in brackish water by the mouths of rivers. Morphology The blackfin seabass is a perciforme fish, or perch-like fish; it has a long, silver, elongated body, and a slight fork in the tail. The blackfin seabass is often compared to the Atlantic Striped Bass in size and appearance; Both bass species have a lower jaw which protrudes over the upper jaw, and similar dorsal and anal fins, but the blackfin lacks stripes running along either side of its body. As a perch-like fish, the blackfin seabass contains spines along the dorsal and anal fins and pectoral fins along the sides of its body for defense against predation. The largest blackfin sea bass caught, on record, is 24 lbs. The longest seabass recorded was 94 cm. Distribution The blackfin seabass is found in rocky surf zones or tidal areas of shallow water along the coast of Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. An anadromous fish, it is known to spawn in intertidal zones, eelbeds, and mouths of rivers (although it spends most of its time in the surf). The blackfin seabass is endemic to the area of Southeast Asia and Japan, meaning that it is specific to that geographic area and can only be found there. Environmental Factors While there is a geographical separation between blackfin seabass and their closest morphological relative, the Japanese seabass, the two often interact. The two species often engage in heavy interspecific competition, which can harm spawning rates for either fish. The relationship between the two species is complicated and ambiguous: the two are known to engage both competition and sympatry. Japanese and blackfin seabass are easily confused. It is understood that the two share a morphological parent, or common ancestor, the Lateolabrax Bleeker. Fishing The blackfin seabass plays a primary and important position in commercial and recreational fishing on