Species profile
Kelp Bass
Paralabrax clathratus
Identify Kelp Bass (Paralabrax clathratus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Kelp Bass (Paralabrax clathratus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 2,241 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- Also called calico bass, named for its mottled brown-and-white calico color pattern.
- Can live up to 34 years and grow to nearly 28 inches in length.
- Closely associated with kelp forests, using the canopy structure for ambush hunting.
- California requires a minimum size of 12 inches and a bag limit of 5 per day.
- One of Southern California's most popular nearshore sport fish.
Where Kelp Bass are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Kelp Bass
Background
Paralabrax clathratus, the kelp bass, sometimes referred to as the Calico bass or western fish (leading to easy confusion with the freshwater fishes from the genus Pomoxis), is a species of marine fish found in the eastern North Pacific Ocean from Baja California, Mexico, to Washington, United States (although rare in the northernmost part of its range). As suggested by its common name, it is…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Kelp Bass article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Kelp Bass?
Kelp Bass (Paralabrax clathratus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Kelp Bass?
Kelp Bass is Paralabrax clathratus.
Is Kelp Bass regulated for fishing?
Yes — Kelp Bass has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Kelp Bass?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Kelp Bass along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.