Loup de mer and Robalo are different fish, but they're close enough in the kitchen to stand in for one another.
Moronidae
European sea bass is one of the great naming confusion fish — the same farmed species is called loup de mer in France, lubina in Spain, branzino in Italy, and robalo in Portugal and Brazil. It has delicate white flesh, few bones, and a clean mild flavor. Farmed extensively in the Mediterranean, it is most commonly cooked whole — roasted in salt crust, grilled over open flame, or baked with herbs.
Full guide →Centropomidae
Snook is a prized sportfish and eating fish found in warm coastal waters from Mexico through Central America and into Brazil. It has firm, white, mild flesh with excellent flavor. In Mexico it is called robalo and is one of the most sought-after fish for grilling and baking. It is versatile — suitable for garlic preparations, grilling whole, and in tacos.
Full guide →Both are prized coastal white fish with mild, firm flesh — snook has a slightly stronger flavor and is found in warmer waters.
| Country | Loup de mer | Robalo |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Sea bass | Snook |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Sea bass | Snook |
| 🇫🇷France | Loup de mer | — |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Lubina | — |
| 🇦🇷Argentina | Pejerrey de mar | Robalo |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Robalo | Robalo |
| 🇵🇹Portugal | Robalo | — |
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Robalo | Robalo |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Branzino | Robalo |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Wolfsbarsch | Snook |
Browse every species in the atlas on the fish index, or identify one from a photo with Identify my cut.