Dicentrarchus labrax is a thick-set fish with large scales that can grow to a length of 100 cm. The flanks are silvery in colour and the fish has a black or blue back and a yellowish or white underside. Juveniles have black spots on the upper part of the body but these spots are rare on adults. Dicentrarchus labrax has two distinct dorsal fins, the first of which is spiny with 8 or 9 spines. The head is moderately pointed and the pre-operculum (gill cover) has a row of forward pointing denticles on the lower edge. Young bass tend to school together, however, the adults are more likely to be found in smaller numbers.