Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

They can live in both saltwater and freshwater, migrating hundreds of miles inland to spawn in the same rivers where they were born.

Scientific name

Morone saxatilis

Taxonomy

Animalia › Chordata › Actinopterygii › Acanthuriformes › Moronidae › Morone

IUCN Red List status

Least Concern

Population trend

stable

Biome

aquatic

Habitat

Estuaries, coastal ocean waters, and freshwater rivers

Diet

Carnivorous, preying on baitfish, crabs, shrimp, and squid

Range

Atlantic Coast of North America, Pacific Coast of North America (introduced), Various inland reservoirs

Size

Up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) long and weighing over 30 kg (65 lbs)

Lifespan

Up to 30 years

Active

crepuscular

Threats

Overfishing, water pollution, damming of spawning rivers, and climate warming

Safe to approach?

Harmless to swim with. If handling a caught fish, watch out for their sharp dorsal spines and gill covers which can cause painful cuts. Wash any wounds immediately with soap and clean water to prevent infection.

The striped bass ( Morone saxatilis ), also called Atlantic striped bass , striper , linesider , rock , or rockfish , is an anadromous Perciforme fish of the family Moronidae found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has also been widely introduced into inland recreational fisheries across the United States. Striped bass found in the Gulf of Mexico are a separate strain referred to as Gulf Coast striped bass.

Photo: no rights reserved, CC0, via iNaturalist

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