The Spotted Sand Bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus) is a species of marine fish found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is a common and commercially important fish, prized for its firm flesh and delicious flavor.
Description and Characteristics
The Spotted Sand Bass is a relatively large fish, reaching a maximum size of 60.0 cm. The body is elongated and somewhat compressed, with a large head and a prominent lower jaw. The coloration is typically a mottled brown or grayish-brown, with darker spots and blotches scattered across the body. The dorsal fin has 11 spines and 14-16 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays. This species is a common target for recreational anglers and is often caught using a variety of techniques, including jigging, trolling, and bottom fishing.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Spotted Sand Bass is a demersal species, meaning it lives on or near the bottom of the ocean. It prefers rocky reefs and other hard-bottom habitats, and can be found in depths ranging from 1.0 to 61.0 meters. This species is widespread along the Pacific coast of North America, from Baja California, Mexico, to Oregon, USA. The Spotted Sand Bass is a common inhabitant of the nearshore and inshore waters of the northeastern Pacific, frequently encountered in the Neritic zone, which is the region extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Paralabrax maculatofasciatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This family, commonly known as sea basses, groupers, and anthias, comprises a large and diverse group of fish with over 500 species found worldwide.
Feeding
The Spotted Sand Bass is a predatory fish with a diverse diet. It feeds primarily on a variety of crustaceans, including crabs, shrimps, and other invertebrates. Additionally, they consume smaller fishes, fish larvae, and occasionally other marine organisms. Their predatory nature is evident in their feeding habits, as they actively hunt and capture their prey within their preferred marine habitats.
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