Paralabrax clathratus
| Kelp Bass | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | P. clathratus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Paralabrax clathratus (Girard, 1854)
| |
The Kelp Bass (Paralabrax clathratus), sometimes referred to as the Calico Bass (leading to easy confusion with the freshwater fishes from the genus Pomoxis), is a species of marine fish found on the north-eastern Pacific Ocean from Baja California, Mexico to Washington, USA (although rare in the northernmost part of its range). As suggested by its common name, it is associated with kelp beds. It prefers relatively shallow water, but may occur as low as 165 ft (50 m).
It can reach a length of 28 1/2 inches (72 cm) and live for as much as 34 years. It is considered an excellent food fish, and is a popular recreational fishery species in Southern California. While the population is believed to be stable, large individuals are relatively rare due to fishing pressure. Commercial fishing for this species has been illegal since the 1950s.
It feeds on small fishes, squid, and crustaceans. Larval Kelp Bass drift along as plankton, and settle on blades of giant kelp. The kelp acts as giant sieves, straining larvae out of the water.
Etymology
Paralabrax comes for two Greek words which mean "near Labrax". Labrax is the name of a European seabass. Clathratus is also Greek, it refers to the blotchy markings on the fish's sides.
References
- "Kelp bass: Paralabrax clathratus (Girard, 1854), Fish Base
- Kelp Bass (PDF) - California Department of Fish & Game. Accessed 28 February - 2008.
- About Calico Bass - Calisco Bass Tagging Project. Accessed 28 February - 2008.
 | This fish-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |