Overview
The kelp bass, a member of a large group of seabasses, which inhabit the eastern Pacific, is a robust fish with a typical, well known bass shape. Most anglers in its territory readily recognize the kelp bass as it is one of the most important targets among southern California's light tackle anglers.The color of is brown to olive green with pale blotches on the back, becoming lighter below. They are easily be distinguished from the sand basses by the fact that the third, fourth and fifth dorsal spines are about the same length, whereas the third dorsal spine of the sand basses is much longer than the fourth and fifth. Kelp bass are carnivorous, consuming many of the organisms living in the high-complexity kelp forest habitat.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
- Family
- Serranidae
- Genus
- Paralabrax
- Species
- clathratus
Habitat
It is usually found in or near kelp beds, over reefs, around rock jetties and breakwaters or structures in shallow water and to about 150 ft. (46 m). While it is found throughout the water column, larger specimens usually occur in deeper waters. Even though they're called kelp bass, these fish don't require kelp. They'll congregate around any type of structure, like shipwrecks, rocks, pipes and pilings.
Diet
Their primary diet consists of carnivore, (piscivore, eats non-insect arthropods, molluscivore eats other marine invertebrates), planktivore, fish, mollusks, aquatic crustaceans,
Behavior
Usually loners, kelp bass join together to prey on small schooling fishes. They attack the school from all angles and may leap out of the water in hot pursuit. Kelp bass perceive their environment through visual channels. Individuals display certain color patterns at specific times, particularly during mating encounters. During late spring and summer, these fish become dichromatic, signaling their reproductive status. Physical displays are also part of mating behaviors.
Fishing
Because it is considered to be among the best eating fish and a powerful fighter, it is highly sought by sport fishermen. An omnivorous feeder, it will take most of the local live baits as well as a variety of artificial lures. A favorite rig is a metal jig and whole squid. The best fishing is summer to fall although it can be fished year round in some areas.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.