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Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

The striped bass — or "striper" — is the most important coastal game fish on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Anadromous by nature, it migrates between saltwater and freshwater, spawning in rivers while feeding along the coast. Known for their powerful runs, large size, and excellent taste, striped bass are pursued by millions of anglers from Maine to Florida.

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Typical Size
18–40 inches (45–100 cm) typical; can exceed 50 inches (127 cm)
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Weight
5–30 lbs (2.3–13.6 kg) typical; record 81 lbs 14 oz
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Lifespan
30+ years
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Water Type
Fresh & Salt

🗺️ Habitat

Atlantic Coast of North America from New Brunswick to Florida; also introduced to the Pacific Coast and many landlocked reservoirs. Migrates between ocean and rivers to spawn.

🔍 How to Identify Striped Bass

  • 1Silver body with 7–8 horizontal dark stripes running from head to tail
  • 2Two dorsal fins separated by a distinct notch
  • 3Stout body that tapers to a slightly forked tail
  • 4Spiny ridges on the gill covers
  • 5White belly; the overall color varies from greenish to steely blue on the back

🍽️ Diet

Atlantic menhaden, herring, shad, eels, squid, crabs, and other fish and invertebrates

💡 Fun Facts About Striped Bass

  • ★Striped bass are managed by every coastal state as a vitally important species
  • ★The striped bass population famously crashed in the 1980s and recovered dramatically after management regulations
  • ★They are the state fish of Maryland, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and New Hampshire
  • ★Striped bass in reservoirs (landlocked) can grow as large as their anadromous counterparts
  • ★The world record was 81 lbs 14 oz, caught off the coast of Connecticut in 2011

🛡️ Conservation Status

Currently under management due to concerns about overfishing — populations are rebuilding

🔗 Related Species

Largemouth BassWhite BassBluefish

Identify Striped Bass Instantly with AI

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Learn more:

How to Identify Fish: A Beginner's GuideMost Common Freshwater Fish in North America← Back to All Fish Species