Why is One Fish Darker?

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Upper Bay
Location: Poole's Island

My family and I were on a charter Sunday, August 23, 2015. Great trip! We were off Poole's Island. I noticed the 2nd fish from the bottom was very dark - almost black. Can you tell me if this Rockfish looks normal? After filleting, the meat looked dark red and lumpy compared to the other fish. I still have the fillets frozen, and am leary about eating them.

DNR Response: Yes the fish you mention does appear to have a darker color that the other striped bass. I do not think it is anything to worry about. Often fish such as striped bass will be darker in color if they spend most of their time in deeper waters. I have noticed that striped bass that tend to be in shallower waters often will be lighter in color or as some would say "washed out". I believe it is a pigment reaction to bright sunlight verses being in deeper waters where the sunlight does not penetrate.

As with any type of food whether it is wild caught or something you've purchased at the grocery store; if you have to think twice about it, discard it.