Olive‑gray fish with light mottled markings, a large mouth, and a sturdy body.

Kelp bass

Paralabrax clathratus
Where at Shedd?
Oceans
Diet Fishes and crustaceans
Size Length: Up to 28.3 inches (72 cm)
Type Fishes
Range Eastern Pacific
Habitat Kelp forests in eastern Pacific Ocean from Washington, United States to southern Baja California, Mexico

Did you know?

  1. Watch this kelp bass as it swims up, down and sideways, hovering around the kelp. Looking up from below, you can see that this fish’s eyes are turquoise blue.
  2. Kelp bass inhabit kelp forests, but they depend on other habitats, too. While the young stay safe among the kelp blades, adults find shelter around rocks, shipwrecks and pilings.

IUCN Red List Conservation Status