Paralabrax clathratus
| Kelp Bass | |
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| Species: | P. clathratus
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| Binomial name | |
| Paralabrax clathratus (Girard, 1854)
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Labrax clathratus | |
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[1] (although rare in the northernmost part of its range).[2] As suggested by its common name, it is typically associated with kelp beds, but may also be found in rocky areas or near hard structures.[3] It prefers relatively shallow water, but may occur as deep as 165 ft (50 m).[1]
It can reach a length of 28 1/2 inches (72 cm), and, being a slow grower, live for as much as 34 years.[1] 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.[2] Commercial fishing for this species has been illegal since the 1950s.[3]
It feeds on small fishes, squid, crustaceans, and, when abundant, plankton.[1] During the warmer months (May to August in California),[1] Kelp Basses form spawning groups in deeper water.[4] After 1-2 days, the pelagic eggs hatch into larvae, which metamorph into juveniles after approximately a month. The juveniles settle on blades of kelp.[3]
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
- ^ a b c d e "Kelp bass: Paralabrax clathratus (Girard, 1854), Fish Base
- ^ a b Kelp Bass (PDF) - California Department of Fish & Game. Accessed 28 February - 2008.
- ^ a b c About Calico Bass - Calisco Bass Tagging Project. Accessed 28 February - 2008.
- ^ Kelp Bass (a.k.a. Calico Bass) - Dr. Larry G. Allen. mdranglers. Accessed 28 February - 2008.
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