Giant Sea Bass

Photo: Phil Garner · © all rights reserved

The giant sea bass — a critically endangered Critically Endangered species recovering slowly following historical overfishing — makes seasonal appearances around Coronado between June and October, drifting in from deeper offshore waters. Adults can exceed 2 m and 250 kg, their immense bulk contrasting with surprisingly languid movement as they ghost along the reef edge. Divers willing to move slowly and avoid sudden approach are often rewarded with sustained eye-contact encounters with this rare giant.