Paralabrax clathratus (Girard, 1854)
Kelp bass
Paralabrax clathratus
photo by Gotshall, D.W.

Family:  Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Max. size:  72 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 7,000.0 g; max. reported age: 34 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 1 - 61 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Columbia River in Washington, USA to southern Baja California, Mexico.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Usually found in or near kelp beds, shallow water and to about 50 m but mostly from 2.4-21m . Found throughout water column. Large specimens usually occur in deeper water. Juveniles feed on benthic invertebrates (especially crustaceans); adults feed on fishes and cephalopods (Ref.9342). Both juveniles and adults may feed on plankton when abundant (Ref.9342). Pelagic spawners (Ref. 56049). Also caught with troll lines (Ref. 9342). Excellent food fish and an important game fish (Ref. 9342).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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