Spotted sand bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus)

Scientific name: Paralabrax maculatofasciatus Steindachner, 1868

The Spotted sand bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae. Native range: Eastern Central Pacific, Monterey in California, USA to Mexico, including the Gulf of California. Also reported in Nicaragua.

Biology

Usually found on sand or mud bottom near rocks and eelgrass, from the coast to a depth of 60 m. A secretive species, it feeds on small fishes and benthic crustaceans during the day. Capable of tolerating ample fluctuations of temperature (from 7.5 to 32?C) and survive extreme cold intervals. Pelagic spawners. Important game fish caught in bays and harbors.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Paralabrax maculatofasciatus
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 60.0
Depth range: 61 m (200 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 61 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Eastern Central Pacific: Monterey in California, USA to Mexico, including the Gulf of California. Also reported in Nicaragua.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; gamefish: yes
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1.5; tmax=20; K=0.296)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026