Kelp bass
📖 Overview
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. Both juveniles and adults may feed on plankton when abundant. Pelagic spawners . Also caught with troll lines . Excellent food fish and an important game fish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Kelp bass is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Kelp bass is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Pelagic spawner . Spawning aggregations are a significant component of the reproductive behavior of this species . Also Ref. 103751.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 1 - 61 m , usually 3 - 25 m . Subtropical; 48°N - 23°N, 126°W - 109°W
🌿 Ecology
benthic invertebrates (especially crustaceans); adults feed on fishes and cephalopods (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- heavy 6-7ft conventional rod
- 50-80 lb braid
- 80-100 lb fluorocarbon leader
- rocky reefs
- wrecks
- ledges
- artificial structure
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Seasonal closures common. Size and bag limits vary by species.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Kelp bass is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 305 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Kelp bass has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (lean white fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrax clathratus | Girard | 1854 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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