While the common name “bass” applies to many different fish species, leading to confusion, the striped bass is indeed a type of bass. Understanding scientific classification clarifies why diverse fish share this name, even when not closely related.
What is a Striped Bass?
The striped bass, scientifically known as Morone saxatilis, is commonly called a striper, linesider, or rockfish. A distinct feature of the striped bass is the seven or eight prominent, uninterrupted dark horizontal stripes running along each side of its body, from behind the gills to the base of its tail. Striped bass are anadromous, meaning they live in coastal ocean waters but migrate to freshwater rivers and estuaries to spawn. They are found primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, ranging from the St. Lawrence River in Canada down to Florida and into Louisiana. These fish can grow quite large, with adults commonly weighing between 5 and 20 pounds, though some individuals can exceed 60 inches in length and weigh over 100 pounds.
The Broad World of Fish Called “Bass”
The term “bass” is broadly applied to many different fish species, encompassing both freshwater and saltwater environments, even though these fish may not be closely related in a scientific sense. For instance, popular freshwater fish like the Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass are frequently referred to as “bass” by anglers. However, these species are not scientifically classified as true basses; instead, they belong to the sunfish family, Centrarchidae. Many other fish worldwide also carry the “bass” name, such as the Black Sea Bass, which is part of the Serranidae family, commonly known as sea basses and groupers.
Where Striped Bass Fit Scientifically
The Striped Bass belongs to the family Moronidae, which is commonly referred to as the “temperate basses.” This family includes other well-known species like the White Bass and Yellow Bass, along with the European Seabass. Members of the Moronidae family are often considered “true basses,” distinguishing them from other fish that simply share the common name. The temperate basses are distinct from the Centrarchidae family, which includes the freshwater “black basses” like largemouth and smallmouth bass, and also from the Serranidae family, which comprises marine sea basses and groupers.
Key Distinguishing Features
Striped bass differ from other fish commonly called “bass,” particularly the freshwater black basses such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Striped bass typically have an elongated, streamlined body shape. In contrast, largemouth bass tend to have a deeper, more compressed body. A clear identifying mark for striped bass is their set of seven to eight continuous, dark horizontal stripes running along their sides, which are typically unbroken. Largemouth bass, however, usually display a single dark lateral line or mottled patterns, while smallmouth bass often have vertical bars.
Another distinguishing characteristic is their dorsal fins; striped bass possess two distinct and separated dorsal fins, with the first being spiny and the second soft-rayed. Conversely, black basses, such as the largemouth, have a single dorsal fin that appears deeply notched or nearly separated. Their habitats also provide a significant clue: striped bass are primarily found in coastal saltwater and brackish environments, moving into freshwater rivers to spawn. Black basses, like the largemouth and smallmouth, are almost exclusively freshwater fish.