The Calico Bass (Paralabrax clathratus), is a species of marine fish found in the eastern North Pacific Ocean from Baja California, Mexico, to Washington, USA (although rare in the northernmost part of its range). It is typically associated with kelp beds, but may also be found in rocky areas or near hard structures. It prefers relatively shallow water, but may occur as deep as 165 ft (50 m). It can reach a length of 29 1⁄2 inches (75 cm), and, being a slow grower, live for as long as 34 years.
It feeds on small fishes, squid, crustaceans, and, when abundant, plankton. During the warmer months (May to September in California), Calico bass form spawning groups in deeper water. After one to two days, the pelagic eggs hatch into larvae, which metamorph into juveniles after about a month. The juveniles settle among blades of kelp. Calico bass have been known to bite at humans; a bite can break the skin, but does not usually cause severe puncture wounds. This may be more frequent when the fish are spawning.
