Morone saxatilis

Inhabit coastal waters and are commonly found in bays but may enter rivers in the spring to spawn (Ref. 2850). Some populations are landlocked (Ref. 7251). Voracious and opportunistic feeder (Ref. 5951). Larvae feed on zooplankton; juveniles take in small shrimps and other crustaceans, annelid worms, and insects (Ref. 1998, 10294); adults feed on a wide variety of fishes (alewives, herring, smelt, eels, flounders, mummichogs, rock gunnels, sand lance, silver hake and silversides (Ref. 5951)) and invertebrates (squid, crabs, sea worms and amphipods (Ref. 5951)), mainly crustaceans (Ref. 1998). Feeding ceases shortly before spawning (Ref. 1998). Utilized fresh and eaten broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).

St. Lawrence River to northern Gulf of Mexico

Striped bass can be found on the Atlantic coast of the United States, from northern Florida to the St. Lawrence estuary in southeastern Canada. This species has been introduced to many inland lakes and reservoirs in the Midwest, as well as, the Pacific coast of the United States.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

This species is native to Atlantic Slope drainages from the St. Lawrence River, Canada, south to the St. Johns River, Florida, and Gulf slope drainages from western Florida (Suwannee River) to Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, and apparently to coastal areas of eastern Texas; aside from some remnant populations, native Gulf Coast striped bass no longer occur in the historical range (replaced in some areas by introduced Atlantic Slope fishes). Striped bass has been introduced widely in inland areas of the United States and on the Pacific coast, where it has spread north to British Columbia and south to northern Baja California. It has also been introduced in Eurasia. Sources: Crance (1984), Hill et al. (1989).

In the Caribbean region Morone saxatilis occurs in the northern Gulf of Mexico and off Florida, USA (get reference, WCA FAO). Depth range??

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: This species is native to Atlantic Slope drainages from the St. Lawrence River, Canada, south to the St. Johns River, Florida, and Gulf slope drainages from western Florida (Suwannee River) to Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, and apparently to coastal areas of eastern Texas; aside from some remnant populations, native Gulf Coast striped bass no longer occur in the historical range (replaced in some areas by introduced Atlantic Slope fishes). Striped bass has been introduced widely in inland areas of the United States and on the Pacific coast, where it has spread north to British Columbia and south to northern Baja California. It has also been introduced in Eurasia. Sources: Crance (1984), Hill et al. (1989).

Western Atlantic: St. Lawrence River in Canada to St. John's River in northern Florida and northern Gulf of Mexico; from fresh and brackish tributaries of western Florida to Louisiana in the USA. Introduced to other countries.

Eastern North America, introduced in western U.S.A. and elsewhere (including Black Sea).

Western Atlantic: St. Lawrence River, Canada to St. John?s River, Florida, USA. Gulf of Mexico; in fresh and brackish tributaries of western Florida to Louisiana, USA.

Striped bass have a laterally compressed body, large terminal mouth, separate dorsal fins and six to nine continuous lateral stripes on both sides of its body. The third anal spine is longer and thinner than the second anal spine. Adult striped bass typically weigh 3.6 to 6.8 kg, however, bass exceeding 22 kg are recorded on an annual basis. Adults range in length from 46 to 140 cm. Striped bass tend to be light green, olive, steel blue, black or brown on their dorsum, with a white or silver iridescent venter. Individuals greater than 25 years of age have been recorded, and sexual maturity is attained between the ages of 2 and 4 for males, and between the ages of 5 and 8 for females.

Range mass: 4 to 23 kg.

Range length: 46 to 140 cm.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Dorsal spines (total): 9 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 13; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7 - 13

Length: 200 cm

Maximum size: 2000 mm TL

200 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 5723)); max. published weight: 57.0 kg (Ref. 2850); max. reported age: 30 years (Ref. 1468)

to 200.0 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. weight: 57 kg.

Anadromous species; found to depths of 30 m in cool bays and rivers.

benthic

Striped bass thrive in large bodies of deep, clear water. Ideal temperatures range from 18.3 to 21.1 °C, and evidence suggests a lower temperature limit of 9.0 °C. Mature fish can be found living inshore, in estuaries, and in freshwater habitats, depending on season and location, and most individuals are found more within five miles from the coast. Juvenile fish are normally found in rivers, which provide critical habitat for spawning.

Habitat Regions: saltwater or marine ; freshwater

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; coastal ; brackish water

Other Habitat Features: estuarine

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Freshwater
• Marine

Habitat Type: Freshwater

Comments: This is a marine and estuarine coastal species that moves far upstream in channels of medium to large rivers during spawning migrations. In coastal areas, it occurs typically within 6 km of shore. Adults in inshore areas occur over a wide range of substrates. The species has been widely introduced in lakes and impoundments. Some populations complete the life cycle in freshwater. In colder months, striped bass tend to seek the warmest water available at depths greater than 1.5 meters.

Striped bass use rivers, tidally influenced fresh waters, and estuaries for spawning and nursery areas. Preferred spawning areas often are shallow (1-20 feet, 0.3-6.1 meters) and turbid and range from the tidal zone to a few hundred kilometers upstream (usually within 38 miles or 60 km of coast). Spawners often seek areas with strong turbulent flow and substrates of rock and/or fine gravel. At Powell Reservoir, Utah, spawning occurred over a rocky shoal in or near the mixing zone of river water and reservoir water.

Eggs are semibuoyant, drift and sink slowly; in riverine populations, current of about 30 cm/sec reportedly is required to keep eggs afloat and prevent death due to settling on bottom (though this may vary with differences in egg buoyancy in different regions). Juveniles apparently prefer clean sandy bottom but have been found over gravel, rock, and (rarely) soft mud; may or may not move to areas of higher salinity in first summer/fall (varies with locality).

See Hill et al. (1989) and Crance (1984) for habitat suitability index model and details on various environmental requirements and tolerances (e.g., temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, toxicants).

demersal; anadromous (Ref. 51243); freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 30 - ? m (Ref. 2850)

Depth range based on 362 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 155 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 96.5
  Temperature range (°C): 6.405 - 21.296
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.663 - 11.522
  Salinity (PPS): 32.397 - 34.903
  Oxygen (ml/l): 5.020 - 6.835
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.221 - 1.027
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.848 - 7.988

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 96.5

Temperature range (°C): 6.405 - 21.296

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.663 - 11.522

Salinity (PPS): 32.397 - 34.903

Oxygen (ml/l): 5.020 - 6.835

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.221 - 1.027

Silicate (umol/l): 1.848 - 7.988
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range to 30 m. Commonly found in bays and coastal waters. May enter rivers to spawn in spring. Some populations are landlocked.

Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Certain stocks along the Atlantic coast north of Cape Hatteras may make extensive migrations along the coast, moving north in spring and south in fall (extent of migration varies among individuals and populations). Individuals may ascend rivers as far as 200 miles (320 km) during spawning migrations (usually only 25 miles [40 km] or less). Populations along the South Atlantic coast of the U.S. apparently do not make extensive coastal migrations that are typical of stocks in the Middle and North Atlantic regions. See Hill et al. (1989).

Anadromous. Fish that ascend rivers to spawn, as salmon and hilsa do. Sub-division of diadromous. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

The dietary habits of striped bass change throughout their life. As larvae, striped bass feed on zooplankton, and as juveniles they mostly feed on insect larvae, small crustaceans, mayflies, and larval fish. Adult striped bass are piscivorous, feeding on bay anchovy, Atlantic silversides and yellow perch; however, a vast majority of their diet consists of Atlantic menhaden. Striped bass do most of their feeding at night in benthic habitats, but chase prey to the water's surface when necessary, typically during fall when trying to build winter fat reserves.

Animal Foods: fish; insects; mollusks; aquatic crustaceans; other marine invertebrates; zooplankton

Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore )

Inhabits coastal waters and are commonly found in bays but may enter rivers in the spring to spawn (Ref. 2850). Coastal schooling species and anadromous (Ref. 5951); some populations are landlocked (Ref. 7251). Larvae feed on zooplankton; juveniles take in small shrimps and other crustaceans, annelid worms, and insects; adults feed on a wide variety of fishes and invertebrates, mainly crustaceans (Ref. 1998). Feeding ceases shortly before spawning (Ref. 1998). Juveniles are preyed upon by Atlantic tomcod, Atlantic cod, silver hake and larger striped bass.

Comments: Larvae feed on zooplankton (e.g. Copepoda, Cladocera), young primarily consume zooplankton & other invertebrates (e.g. Copedoda, Cladocera, Amphipoda, mysids); adults are predatory on fishes and larger crustaceans (Hassler 1988). When available, threadfin shad or gizzard shad often the major food for adults. Within the above categories, striped bass are basically opportunistic feeders.

Zooplankton, fishes and invertebrates, mainly crustaceans. Juveniles feed on small shrimps, other crustaceans, annelid worms, and insects. Fish stop feeding shortly before spawning.

Striped bass are important predators on Atlantic menhaden and help maintain prey populations at sustainable levels. Major parasites of striped bass include copepods (e.g., Ergasilus labracid), tapeworms, cestode worms (e.g., Proteocephalid larvae), protists (e.g., Colponema, Trichodina, and Glossatella), myxozoans (e.g., Myxosoma morone), roundworms (e.g., Philometra rubra), and spiny-headed worms (e.g., Pomphorhynchus rocci larvae). For a complete account of parasites specific to this species, please reference Paperna and Zwerner (1976).

Ecosystem Impact: keystone species

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

• copepods, (Ergasilus labracid)
• tapeworms (Scolex pleuronectis)
• cestode larvae, (Proteocephalid)
• protists, (Colponema)
• protists, (Trichodina)
• protists, (Glossatella)
• myxozoans, (Myxosoma morone)
• roundworms, (Philometra rubra)
• spiny-headed worms larvae, (Pomphorhynchus rocci)

With the exception of humans, seals, and sharks, adult striped bass have few natural predators. Juveniles, however, are preyed upon by many larger fish, such as Atlantic tomcod, Atlantic cod, bluefish, silver hake, and larger striped bass have been known consume juveniles as well.

Known Predators:

• humans (Homo sapiens)
• seals (Pinnipedia)
• sharks (Selachimorpha)
• Atlantic tomcod (Microgadus tomcod)
• Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
• bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)
• silver hake (Merluccius albidus)

Morone saxatilis is prey of:
Homo sapiens

Based on studies in:
USA: California (Estuarine, Intertidal, Littoral)
USA: Rhode Island (Coastal)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Morone saxatilis preys on:
Grapsidae
Scorpaenichthys marmoratus
Ethmidium maculatum
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Lepomis macrochirus

Based on studies in:
USA: California (Estuarine, Intertidal, Littoral)
USA: Rhode Island (Coastal)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Edwardsiellosis. Bacterial diseases

Gregarious. Year-class success appears to be determined during fist 2 months of life, may be correlated with environmental conditions during larval stages (Hill et al. 1989). Growth and development rates vary widely, depending on conditions. Parasitic infection rarely cause mortalities in wild populations unless fishes are under stress (Hill et al. 1989). Summer die-offs are common in reservoirs (Sublette et al. 1990).

Larvae feed on zooplankton, juvenile diet consists of small shrimp and other crustaceans, annelid worms and insects, adults prefer a variety of fishes and invertebraes, mainly crustaceans

Sensory perception in striped bass occurs via the lateral line, a keen sense of smell and marginal vision. The lateral line gives them the ability to detect sound waves, as well as information related velocity and pressure. It also allows them to sense vibrations which is useful in predation and predator avoidance. Striped bass possess an acute sense of smell, which helps guide them to natal spawning grounds as well as detect potential prey. While striped bass have marginal vision, the number of rods and cones in their retinas allow for vision similar to that in humans. Rods allow them to see in low light conditions whereas cones make color vision possible. Vision is primarily used during close encounters with prey.

Communication Channels: visual

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; vibrations ; chemical

Striped bass eggs hatch 29 to 80 hours after fertilization. Newly hatched larvae remain suspended in the water column and tend to suffocate if they spend and extended period of time in oxygen poor water. Larvae measure about 3.1 mm long. As larvae, nourishment comes from the large yolk mass the females released with her eggs, and after two to four days their mouth forms. Once larvae begin feeding, primary prey consists of microscopic organisms that occupy the same area of water column. Juveniles are highly sensitive to their environment and can be greatly affected by changes in temperature or salinity. About 1 week after hatching, juveniles begin feeding on small crustaceans, such as copepods. Once they reach about 2 inches in length, juveniles begin feeding primarily on mysid shrimp and amphipods. During their first year of life, striped bass reach anywhere from 10 to 12 inches in length. Males reach sexual maturity by 3 years of age, and females reach sexual maturity within 4 to 6 years of age. Striped bass can live for up to 20 years in the wild.

Development - Life Cycle: indeterminate growth

Move into fresh or brackish water to spawn (Ref. 39467). Females spawn more than once in a season, but they don't necessarily spawn every year (Ref. 1998).

Most striped bass live between 10 and 12 years; however, individuals older than 30 years have been recorded in the wild.

Range lifespan
Status: wild: 10 to 30 years.

Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 10 to 12 years.

Maximum longevity: 30 years (wild)

Morone saxatilis is polyandrous. A group of 7 to 8 males surround a single larger female, and once surrounded, males bump the female to the waters surface. This act is often referred to as “rock fights,” due to the splashing that occurs on the surface of the water. Once at the surface, males continue bumping the female until she releases her eggs into the water. Once the eggs are discharged into the water, males release their sperm.

Mating System: polyandrous

Striped bass begin spawning when temperatures warm to about 18 degrees C. They tend to spawn in rivers and in brackish estuaries. Major spawning locations include the Hudson River, the Chesapeake Bay and the Roanoke River-Albermarle Sound watershed. Once fertilized, embryos drift in the current for 1.5 to 3 days. Female can release between 500,000 and 3 million eggs during a single spawning event; however, less than one percent of embryos survive for more than a couple of months after hatching. Male striped bass typically reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age, and females reach sexual maturity at 5 to 6 years of age.

Breeding interval: Striped bass spawn once a year.

Breeding season: Striped bass spawn once a year, from April to mid-June.

Range number of offspring: 500,000 to 3,000,000.

Range gestation period: 1.5 to 3 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 5 to 6 years.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 to 3 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (External ); broadcast (group) spawning; oviparous

Striped bass are broadcast spawners and embryos developed while suspended in the water column. As a result, parental care is nonexistent in this species.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement

Spawning occurs as early as mid-February in Florida, as late as June-July in the St. Lawrence River; see Hill et al. (1989) for more detail on specific areas, and Crance (1984) for spawning in relation to temperature in various areas. Eggs hatch in about 2-3 days. Males usually become sexually mature in 1-3 years, females in 4-6 years (Middle Atlantic region). Spawning occurs in large aggregations (Moyle 1976).

See Hassler (1988) for a review of life history in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California. See also Crance (1984).

Bass spawn either in brackish water at the heads of estuaries or in fresh rivers from late April to early May in North Carolina. Spawning occurs in May, in the Chesapeake Bay region; and perhaps in the waters of New York. Fish probably spawn June in the rivers of Massachusetts, of Maine, and of the Bay of Fundy, but in June and July in the southern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and of the lower St. Lawrence River. When deposited in the water, eggs average 1.1 to1.35 mm in diameter. Within the first few hours after fertilization, however, the perviteline membrance swells to an average diameter of about 3.6 mm. Eggs hatch after 70 to 74 hours at water temperatures of 58 to 60 °C; after 48 hours at 67 °C; and after 30 hours at 71to 72 °C.

Although this species has not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), landing totals over the last 20 years have exhibited significant decreases in abundance. One of the primary conservation efforts for this species is the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass, developed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission under the authority of the Striped Bass Conservation Act. Under the conservation and management directives of this plan, striped bass populations have made the biggest comeback of any finfish species on record, with estimates as high as 1 to 1.5 million in the Connecticut River every spring. Despite their rebound, striped bass face a number of challenges. For example, mycobacteriosis, a bacterial infection that results in skin lesions, stunted growth, inflammation, tissue destruction, and formation of scare tissue in organs, poses a significant threat to the overall health of this species. Unfortunately, little is known of this disease, and research is currently underway to investigate this pathogen and its impact on the species as a whole.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Contributor/s

Justification

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N2 - Imperiled

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Least Concern (LC)

Comments: Decline in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is attributed primarily to toxic substances and to entrainment of young in water diversion structures (Hassler 1988). Habitat destruction affected populations in Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, and Albemarle Sound, resulting in drastic declines in mid-20th century (Hill et al. 1989). Excess harvest contributed the decline along the U.S. east coast in the late 1970s and early 1980s; hatchery production and restrictions on the harvest resulted in population increases in the Chesapeake Bay region by the early 1990s (Diamond 1990). Alterations in habitat quality have eliminated native bass populations from most of original range along Gulf of Mexico; but populations increasing due to stocking (Hill et al. 1989).

Conservation Actions

Management Requirements: See Harrell et al. (1990) for information on culture and propagation methods.

Striped bass introduced into the California Delta prey upon salmon and delta smelt and are now considered an invasive species. Salmon and delta smelt are important prey for a number of piscivorous fish species, which have experienced significant declines since the introduction of striped bass.

Striped bass are one of the most highly sought after sport fish along the Atlantic coast of the United States. Many fishermen take note of the migratory patterns of these fish and use this knowledge to catch them during different parts of the year, especially spring, when the fish are on their way to their natal spawning grounds. In addition to recreational fishing, a major commercial fishery for striped bass exists off the coast of Virginia and Maryland, which has accounted for nearly 56% of total catch since the year 2000. In 1974, commercial landings totaled 6,000 megatons. Due to severe population declines, these numbers have decreased dramatically, and in 2004, commercial landings totaled 3,290 mega tons.

Positive Impacts: food

Comments: Formerly large commercial catches have declined in many areas along the Atlantic coast; major commercial fishery continues in Albemarle Sound (Hill et al. 1989). Commercial landings along the U.S. east coast were 8-14 million pounds/year from 1960 to 1970, up to 14.7 million pounds in 1973, down to 3.5 million pounds by 1979 (Diamond 1990). Most major South Atlantic coastal rivers support a recreational fishery (Hill et al. 1989). Propagation and management of striped bass in inland waters followed discovery of reproducing land-locked population in Santee-Cooper Reservoir in South Carolina. The wiper, a striped bass-white bass hybrid, is extensively cultured in U.S. Important sport fish in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California (see Hassler 1988), and in certain areas along Atlantic coast.

fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; price category: medium; price reliability: reliable: based on ex-vessel price for this species