saltwater, bony fish, croaker family
White Seabass
Atractoscion nobilis
Elongated, compressed body with a silvery to blue-gray dorsal surface and copper or bronze highlights. It features two dorsal fins separated by a small gap and a unique ridge along the belly. The tail is mostly square or slightly lunate.
- Habitat
- Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Juneau, Alaska, to Magdalena…
- Size & weight
- Typically 20 to 50 pounds, but can reach lengths of up t…
- Diet
- Carnivorous; feeds primarily on Pacific squid, sardines,…
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Physical characteristics
Elongated, compressed body with a silvery to blue-gray dorsal surface and copper or bronze highlights. It features two dorsal fins separated by a small gap and a unique ridge along the belly. The tail is mostly square or slightly lunate.
Habitat & distribution
Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Juneau, Alaska, to Magdalena Bay, Baja California. They are frequently found near kelp forests, rocky reefs, and over sandy bottoms in the surf zone.
Behavior
A schooling species, especially when young. Adults are often found in loose aggregations. They are known to be somewhat elusive and are highly active during the spring and summer spawning seasons.
Diet
Carnivorous; feeds primarily on Pacific squid, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and occasionally pelagic red crabs.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs typically from March to August. They are known to move into shallower waters or near-shore kelp beds to spawn, where they release eggs that are fertilized externally.
Ecological role
They are significant mid-level predators in the kelp forest ecosystem, helping to regulate populations of smaller fish and invertebrates.
Similar species
Weakfish and Corvina. White Seabass are distinguished by the presence of a fleshy ridge running along the length of the belly and the lack of canine-like teeth found in many other croakers.
Identification tips
Look for the distinct ridge along the centerline of the belly, the absence of spots on the body, and the two dorsal fins which are noticeably separate.
Interesting facts
Despite the name 'seabass', this fish is actually a member of the croaker family (Sciaenidae). Like other croakers, they can produce a deep drumming sound using their swim bladder muscles.