Striped bass
The striped bass (*Morone saxatilis*) is a North American fish known for its silvery body and dark horizontal stripes.
The striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is a North American fish known for its silvery body and dark horizontal stripes. It is anadromous, spending much of its life in saltwater but migrating into freshwater to spawn. The species is native to the Atlantic coast of North America and has also been introduced to parts of the Pacific coast and inland waters.
Description
Striped bass are large, elongated fish with a silvery body and dark lateral stripes. Their coloration can vary from greenish or olive tones to blue, brown, or black on top, with a pale underside.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Atlantic coast of North America, from the St. Lawrence River in Canada southward to Florida, and along the Gulf coast to Louisiana. It has also been introduced to Pacific coast waters and some inland lakes and reservoirs.
Life history
Striped bass are anadromous, living mostly in saltwater and migrating into freshwater to spawn. Adult fish typically return to tidal rivers in spring, and some populations remain partially or fully landlocked.
Human use and management
Striped bass are valued by commercial and recreational fisheries. In some regions they have been heavily fished, and management measures are used to rebuild and maintain populations.
Key facts
- Striped bass have seven to eight continuous dark horizontal stripes on each side.
- They are anadromous and migrate between ocean and freshwater.
- Females may spawn in freshwater rivers and can produce up to 3 million eggs.
- The species is native to the eastern coast of North America and has been introduced to the West Coast and inland waters.
- Striped bass are an important recreational and commercial fish in parts of their range.
Striped bass are native to the St. Lawrence River in Canada, and Canadian waters are part of the species’ native range. The species is also relevant to Canadian fisheries and conservation in Atlantic and Gulf of St. Lawrence ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scientific name of striped bass?
Are striped bass freshwater or saltwater fish?
Where are striped bass native to?
How big can striped bass get?
What do striped bass look like?
Are striped bass important to fisheries?
References
- NOAA Fisheries — https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-striped-bassSupports: Description, range, anadromous life history, size, lifespan, maturity
- Marine Biological Laboratory — https://www.mbl.edu/research/research-organisms/striped-bassSupports: Scientific name, habitat, range, lifespan, spawning, eggs, migration
- Chesapeake Bay Program — https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/striped-bassSupports: Appearance, size, range, semi-anadromous behavior
- Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation — https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/field-guide/fish/bass-stripedSupports: Identification traits, anadromous spawning, introduced/landlocked populations
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation — https://www.cbf.org/nature/striped-bass-rockfish/Supports: Ecological importance, fishery value, anadromous behavior, conservation context