Barred sand bass (Paralabrax nebulifer) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over rocky, sand, at depths of ≤ 56 m.
Scientific name: Paralabrax nebulifer · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 67 cm
Weight: up to 6 kg
The barred sand bass (Paralabrax nebulifer) is a sea bass of the family Serranidae, native to the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific off California and Baja California, and distinguished from the similar kelp bass by an elongated third dorsal spine. It occurs from Santa Cruz, California, to Magdalena Bay in Baja California Sur and is usually found on sandy bottom among or near rocks, living in shallow water down to about 55 m, where it eats other fish — especially plainfin midshipman — and some invertebrates; like other Paralabrax it can change sex from female to male with age, though most do not. The species forms spawning aggregations in the warmer months and is a pelagic spawner, and it is described as a popular sport fish in southern California whose populations are stable, helped by recreational fishing regulations and a ban on commercial fishing of the species. It can reach a length of 67 cm and a weight of 6 kg.
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