Fin's Fish Guide
The Goldspotted sand bass (Paralabrax auroguttatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 71 cm.
Eastern Pacific, from southern California to the Gulf of California and Baja California.
Description
The goldspotted sand bass is a sea bass (Serranidae) from the eastern Pacific, mainly the Gulf of California and the coast of Baja California. The species reaches about 71 cm, has a stocky, brownish body sprinkled with golden spots and a large mouth. It lives on rocky bottoms at depths of about 40 to 107 m and hunts small fishes and crustaceans. It is an important and prized game fish. Like other sand basses it is an ambush predator that engulfs its prey whole. The species is assessed by the IUCN as data deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Goldspotted sand bass?
The Goldspotted sand bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small golden-yellow spots over the body; valued sport fish of the Gulf of California.
Where does the Goldspotted sand bass live?
The Goldspotted sand bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific, from southern California to the Gulf of California and Baja California.
How big does the Goldspotted sand bass get?
The Goldspotted sand bass grows to a maximum of about 71 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Goldspotted sand bass dangerous to humans?
No, the Goldspotted sand bass is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Goldspotted sand bass edible?
Yes, the Goldspotted sand bass is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Paralabrax
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Goldspotted sand bass?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Goldspotted sand bass is one of 12,519 species in the app.