The Temperate Basses (or True Basses) are fishes in the family Moronidae.  They may be found in both fresh and salt water.  Some varieties are popular as game and food fishes. The temperate basses are not closely related to the black basses, which are members of the sunfish family. Their closest relatives are found in Europe: the delectable European Sea Bass and the Spotted Sea Bass, fishes which are highly regarded as food fishes in their homeland.