Kelp Bass

Kelp Bass

Paralabrax clathratus

Also known as: Rock Sea Bass, Sea Bass

Predict Sightings

About This Species

This territorial reef fish is found around kelp forests and rocky reefs along the eastern Pacific coast, typically hovering near structure such as kelp holdfasts, rock crevices, and drop-offs where it ambushes smaller fish and invertebrates. It is best observed by divers and snorkelers in clear water over healthy kelp beds, particularly around dawn and dusk feeding periods.

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

  • Observe without touching or feeding fish, since individuals can become habituated to divers offering food, which alters natural behavior.
  • Follow local marine protected area and fishing regulations, as many kelp forest sites carry size and bag limits or are closed to take entirely.
LCNaNPerciformesSerranidae

Seasonal Activity

142,026 sightings · 2000–2026

Citizen science records via GBIF

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Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
NaN
Order
Perciformes
Family
Serranidae

Photo

(c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY)

CC-BY-4.0

Occurrence data from GBIF.