Many people use the terms “rockfish” and “striped bass” interchangeably, leading to confusion about whether they refer to the same species. This article clarifies the relationship between these names and the fish they represent, considering regional naming practices.
The Direct Answer
No, “rockfish” and “striped bass” are not universally the same fish. Striped bass is a specific species, Morone saxatilis. While it is commonly called “rockfish” in the Mid-Atlantic United States, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay area, “rockfish” is also a broader common name for many other, often unrelated, fish species worldwide. Scientifically, these terms are not interchangeable outside specific regional contexts.
Understanding the Striped Bass
The striped bass, Morone saxatilis, is an anadromous fish, meaning it migrates between saltwater and freshwater for different life stages. It is primarily found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from the St. Lawrence River down to the Gulf of Mexico, including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. This species is characterized by a streamlined, silvery body with seven or eight distinct dark, continuous horizontal stripes running from behind its gills to the base of its tail.
Striped bass can live for up to 30 years and can grow to be over five feet long, with some individuals reaching weights of 50 to 60 pounds. They are opportunistic predators, feeding on smaller fish like anchovies and menhaden, as well as crustaceans such as juvenile crabs and shrimp. Striped bass are highly valued as both a recreational and commercial species, making them economically important in many coastal communities.
Why the Name Confusion?
The use of “rockfish” for striped bass in the Mid-Atlantic states has historical and regional origins. Striped bass inhabit rocky areas, oyster reefs, and ledges for food and shelter, leading to the “rockfish” nickname. Historically, the Chesapeake Bay, a major striped bass nursery, had abundant oyster reefs sometimes called “rocks” due to navigation hazards. Striped bass were often found near these structures, solidifying the name. Maryland even designated the “rockfish” (Morone saxatilis) as its official state fish in 1965, further cementing this regional identity.
Distinguishing from Other “Rockfish”
Beyond the striped bass, “rockfish” is a broad common name for many other distinct fish species globally. It notably refers to the Sebastes genus of marine ray-finned fish, which includes over 100 species. These Sebastes rockfish are predominantly found in the Pacific Ocean, from California to Alaska and Japan.
Pacific rockfish species, like vermilion or canary rockfish, differ entirely from striped bass in biology, habitat, and family. Though they share the “rockfish” name due to their preference for rocky seafloors, they are not closely related to Morone saxatilis. The diversity within the Sebastes genus means these “rockfish” vary greatly in size, color, and specific habitat preferences.