Kelp Bass
Paralabrax clathratus

Physical Description

• Fish has brown coloration on back with two rows of rectangular white splotches.
• Easily distinguished from other bass due to these white splotches.
• Head is brownish-olive coloration with randomized yellow spots.
• Tail square cut with yellowish coloration.
• First two dorsal spines are short, third and fourth dorsal spines are about twice as long.
• Breeding adult males have an orange-colored chin.

Range

• Occur from Columbia River, Washington to Magdalena Bay, Baja California.
• Common from Point Conception south to central Baja.

Habitat

• Found in water as deep as 150 feet.
• Live in shallow rocky environments.

Reproduction

• Kelp bass mature between 3-5 years old.
• Spawning usually takes place in or near kelp forests.
• Females might spawn as often as four times a year.
• Mating occurs between May and October, between sunset and several hours after sunset.
• Breeding groups can be up to 200 males and only one female.
• Kelp bass are very active feeders during spawning.

Diet

• Small, shrimp-like crustaceans, anchovies, small surfperch, other small fish.
• With increase in size of kelp bass, increase in amount of fish in diet.

Predators

• California barracuda, sea bass, kelp bass, marine mammals, large fishes.

Interesting Facts

• Kelp bass are also called calico bass and are very popular with nearshore recreational anglers.

Sources: California Department Fish and Wildlife; animaldiversity.org; Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Bassfishing-gurus.com

Photo: Jeremy Smith