Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
 
 
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Kelp Bass

Paralabrax clathratus

   

Fun Facts

    Kelp bass reproduce by spawning (release egg and sperm into the water column) and form large aggregations in the summer months.

    The kelp bass is sometimes referred to as the calico bass.

   
 

Description

 
  The kelp bass is a type of bony fish that lives in the kelp forest and on rocky and artificial reefs (such as piers and jetties). Kelp bass occur from Baja California, Mexico to Washington, USA. The body is elongate and is brown to olive-green, with light blotches, becoming lighter below.
 
Kelp bass feed on small fishes, crustaceans, and squid. These fish grow very slowly, at 5 years of age they are about 10.5 inches long and are capable of spawning. They can reach a length of 28.5 inches and live for about 34 years.
 
Kelp bass are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 21.
 
   
 
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