50 



DIVISION OF PISH AND GAME 



Photo by Al Johns for 



Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



SPOTTED SAND BASS 

 Paralabrax maculato-fasctatus 



A member of the sea bass family, 

 ;, kelp bass and sand bass. 



Serranidae, as are the black 



Relationship: 



sea bass, striped has 



Distinguishing Characters: The spiny and soft portions of the dorsal fin being 

 connected, with the third spine appreciably longer than the rest ; the three spines at the 

 front of the anal fin ; the presence of vomei-ine teeth ; the presence of about 90 scales in 

 a row along the lateral line ; the small brownish spots which cover the head, fins, and 

 body except for the belly (separating it from the sand and kelp basses). Length to 

 about 18 inches. Color: Greenish or olive brown above becoming whitish below ; 6 or 7 

 vague dusky bars extend down the sides from the back, and a dark streak runs down 

 and back across the cheek from the eye. Spotted as described above. 



Distribution: Southern California south to Mazatlan, Mexico and into the Gulf 

 of California. Most common in bays and lagoons. 



Fishing Season: Not take in sufficient quantity to show a seasonal trend. 



Importance: Of no commercial importance. Caught occasionally by sportsmen. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line. 



