Shoal of Kelp Bass, Paralabrax clathratus, Catalina Island, California

Paralabrax clathratus, commonly known as the kelp bass or calico bass, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the sea bass family Serranidae. [1] [2] Native to the coastal waters of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, its range extends from central California southward to southern Baja California, Mexico. [2] [3] This predatory fish inhabits structured environments such as kelp.. About the Calico bass A true California Native, the Calico Bass (Paralabrax clathratus), technically known as the Kelp Bass, are one of the most common sea basses inhabiting Southern California coastal waters along with two other species of bass, Barred Sand Bass (Paralabrax nebulifer) and Spotted Sand Bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus).

Nomenclature original description (of Labrax clathratus Girard, 1854) Girard, C. F. (1854). Observations upon a collection of fishes made on the Pacific coast of the United States, by Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A., for the museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 7: 142-156.. Paralabrax clathratus Kelp Bass Family: Serranidae · Class: Actinopterygii · Order: Perciformes The kelp bass is a medium-sized marine fish belonging to the sea bass family (Serranidae). Adults typically reach lengths of 38 to 48 centimeters (15 to 19 inches) and weights of 1.4 to 2.3 kilograms (3 to 5 pounds), though some individuals may exceed 61 centimeters (24 inches). The body is.