Paralabrax clathratus

Paralabrax clathratus has an elongate, relatively deep, compressed body with a pointed snout and a large, downturned mouth. The mouth extends back as far as the centre line of the pupil and the lower mandible protrudes to form part of the snout. There are teeth all over the roof of the mouth. The margins of the preopercle have fine serrations. There is a large spine on the edge of the gill cover. The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 13–14 soft rays, the 3rd and 4th spine are the longest, both being nearly twice the height of the 2nd spine. The anal fin has 3 spines and 7 soft rays. The caudal fin is truncated, although the margin can be wavy. Paralabrax clathratus may be phenotypically similar to other north American species of bass such as the spotted bass, white bass, or yellow bass. A distinguishing feature of this species from other sea bass is that the kelp bass has piebald or multi coloured spotting under the belly, which is why it is alternatively called calico bass. ==Distribution==

Paralabrax clathratus is found in the eastern North Pacific Ocean off the western coast of North America. Its range extends from the central California south to the southern tip of Baja California. It was formerly found as far north as the mouth of the Columbia River on the boundary between Oregon and Washington State but it is now rare anywhere north of Point Conception in California. ==Habitat and biology==

Paralabrax clathratus is found at depths between , with spawning season peaking in the summer. When spawning the adults form aggregations of up to 200 fish, but more commonly numbering around 50 individuals. Because of these aggregations, Kelp bass are most commonly fished during the months of June, July, and August. After spawning the eggs hatch within 36 hours. The primary predator of adult kelp bass is the giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas), whose population has increased significantly in recent years. The main prey of juveniles are plankton and small benthic invertebrates, including small crustaceans, brittle stars and small fishes. All ages will feed on zooplankton if it is abundant. ==Conservation==

Paralabrax clathratus is ranked as the second most abundant California shallow water generalist and and overfishing. Currently, marine protected areas (MPAs) are the only places in which fishing for kelp bass is illegal. As of 2024, only 16.1 percent of California's territorial waters are designated as MPAs. Kelp forests along the west coast are also threatened by invasive species such as Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (purple sea urchins). This species reproduces fast and can devour kelp from its roots at an alarming rate; particularly when its main predators, the sea stars, are decimated by a disease called Sea Star Wasting Syndrome. If purple sea urchins eat all the kelp, other herbivores will die of starvation, and Paralabrax clathratus will surely follow, as they cannot ingest the urchins due to their spiny exteriors. Another invasive species along the coast of California and Baja is wreaking havoc on kelp bass "recruitment", which is when newly settled juveniles move into their preferred habitats. This species is a type of macroalgae called Sargassum horneri. It has replaced the native giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera, which has declined substantially due to increasing ocean temperatures. Studies have shown that Kelp bass are thirty times more abundant on M. pyrifera then on S. horneri. This may be due to the fact that S. horneri is shorter and much less dense than M. pyrifera, and provides less cover from predators. S. horneri may also produce chemicals that deter kelp bass or their prey. Because kelp bass spend their entire lifecycle in the ocean, they are not affected by dams on rivers. No-take marine reserves have been successful in helping to preserve their abundance, as they rarely leave their home ranges. ==Taxonomy==

Paralabrax clathratus was first formally described in 1854 as Labrax clathratus by the French ichthyologist and herpetologist Charles Frédéric Girard (1822–1895) with the type locality given as San Diego, California. The generic name Paralabrax is a compound of the Greek para meaning "the side of" and labrax, meaning a fish such as the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), the specific name is Latin and means "latticed", a reference to the patterning of this species. ==Utilisation==

Before colonization, all species of bass were an important food source for west coast indigenous peoples. Kelp bass were a particularly vital staple for the Chumash tribe, who historically lived along the central coast of California. Paralabrax clathratus is considered excellent eating and there is an important commercial fishery in Mexico. Tighter regulations have continued to help protect the kelp bass. In southern California, only 5 individuals of any of the three bass species that reside off the coast may be caught per person per day. Any Bass less than 14 inches long must be released back into the water. ==References==