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Whitespotted sand bass (Paralabrax albomaculatus) — Serranidae

Whitespotted sand bass

Paralabrax albomaculatus
Family: Serranidae

The Whitespotted sand bass (Paralabrax albomaculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
50.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–200.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Galapagos Is.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Whitespotted sand bass is a sand bass (Serranidae) from coastal and reef water of the eastern Pacific, around the Galapagos. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body with fine spots or stripes and a large mouth. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it shelters among rocks, kelp and coral and seizes fish and crustaceans. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Whitespotted sand bass?

The Whitespotted sand bass has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Whitespotted sand bass live?

The Whitespotted sand bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Galapagos Is.

How big does the Whitespotted sand bass get?

The Whitespotted sand bass grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.

Is the Whitespotted sand bass dangerous to humans?

No, the Whitespotted sand bass is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Whitespotted sand bass edible?

Yes, the Whitespotted sand bass is commonly eaten.

More photos

Whitespotted sand bass (Paralabrax albomaculatus) — Serranidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Whitespotted sand bass (Paralabrax albomaculatus) — Serranidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Whitespotted sand bass (Paralabrax albomaculatus) — Serranidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Whitespotted sand bass (Paralabrax albomaculatus) — Serranidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Whitespotted sand bass sourced
Scientific name
Paralabrax albomaculatus
Family
Serranidae
Other names
Camotillo sourced

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Galapagos Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Paralabrax

More from the family Serranidae

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