The striped bass, Morone saxatilis, is a popular game fish known for its distinctive appearance. This fish is widely sought after by anglers due to its size and fighting ability. Understanding its physical traits helps in identifying this species.
Key Physical Characteristics
The striped bass possesses a streamlined, elongated body that is often described as torpedo-like, allowing it to move efficiently through water. Adult striped bass measure between 20 to 35 inches in length and weigh 5 to 20 pounds. Large specimens can exceed 60 inches and weigh over 70 pounds.
The coloration of a striped bass includes silvery sides. Its back is darker, ranging from olive-green to bluish-black, while its belly is white. The most recognizable feature is the presence of seven or eight distinct, continuous dark horizontal stripes running along each side of its body, extending from behind the gill plate to the base of the tail. One of these prominent stripes usually follows the lateral line.
Striped bass have two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is spiny, while the second is soft-rayed. The caudal fin, or tail fin, is moderately forked. The head is moderately sized and somewhat pointed, featuring a large, terminal mouth where the lower jaw slightly protrudes beyond the upper jaw. Additionally, the gill cover has two sharp spines.
Distinguishing Features
Distinguishing a pure striped bass from similar species like hybrid striped bass or white bass relies on several key physical traits. The pattern of its lateral stripes is a primary identifier; striped bass have solid, unbroken lines that extend consistently along their sides. In contrast, hybrid striped bass display stripes that are broken, irregular, or faded. White bass, another related species, have fewer and fainter stripes, with only one extending all the way to the tail.
Body shape also offers clues. Striped bass possess a more slender and streamlined body compared to hybrid striped bass, which tend to be deeper-bodied or stockier for their length. White bass are shorter and deeper-bodied than both striped bass and hybrids. When examining the mouth, a significant distinguishing feature is found on the tongue.
Striped bass have two distinct patches of teeth on the back of their tongue. White bass possess only a single tooth patch on their tongue. Hybrid striped bass also have two tooth patches, but these are less distinct or partially connected.