Where Does Kelp Bass Live?

Kelp Bass lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Kelp Bass

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Surface to approximately 180 feet (55 meters), most commonly found in shallower waters (10-100 feet).

Environment

Primarily associated with kelp forests (Macrocystis pyrifera), rocky reefs, and artificial structures like oil platforms and jetties. They utilize the complex structure of these habitats for ambush predation and shelter.

Geographic range

Eastern Pacific Ocean, from the Columbia River in Washington State (rarely) south to Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Most abundant from Point Conception, California, southwards.

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