Little is known of the early life history of black sea bass. The pelagic existence of this fish is short. Larvae longer than 13 mm SL were not collected, presumably because they become demersel or estuarine near that size. It is not known what part of the population remains at sea, nor are the routes and mechanisms of larval transport known. This habitat, which is located on the open shelf from depths of 18 to 55 m, consists of low rock ridges, outcroppings, coral patches, and shipwrecks.
Most individuals function first as females, undergo sexual succession, and become functional males.
May. Minor spawning occurs in September and October. Spawning occurs later in the northern part of the range. The pelagic existence of this fish is short. Larvae longer than 12 mm SL were not collected, presumably because they become demersal or estuarine near that size. Juvenile black sea bass occur in saline areas of estuaries along the coast from Florida to Massachusetts and in offshore areas.