Definition

Noun: 1. A freshwater fish: A species of sunfish (Ambloplites rupestris) native to eastern North America, found in streams and lakes with rocky bottoms. It is valued both as a game fish and for food. 2. A kind of sea bass: A marine fish (Centropristis philadelphica) found in the western Atlantic Ocean, also known as the rock sea bass.

Examples

• The angler was thrilled to catch a large rock bass from the clear, rocky stream.
• Rock bass are often found near submerged logs and boulders.
• The menu featured grilled rock bass as the fresh catch of the day.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used specifically in ichthyology (the study of fish) and by anglers (fishermen). Context (freshwater vs. saltwater) is usually needed to determine which species is meant.

Variants and Related Words

• Rock sunfish: Another common name for the freshwater .
• Rock sea bass: Another common name for the marine .
• Goggle-eye: A regional name for the freshwater rock bass.

Synonyms

• (For the freshwater fish): Rock sunfish, goggle-eye, redeye.
• (For the marine fish): Rock sea bass.

Notes on Different Meanings

This term refers to two distinct fish species: 1. The primary and more common reference is to the freshwater sunfish (Ambloplites rupestris) of rivers and lakes. 2. The secondary reference is to a saltwater sea bass (Centropristis philadelphica) of the Atlantic coast.

Noun

1. game and food fish of upper Mississippi and Great Lakes
2. a kind of sea bass