ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Fish - Hybrid Striped Bass

 Hybrid Striped Bass

The hybrid striped bass is created by crossing a female striped bass with a male white bass. They have been stocked into reservoirs and rivers throughout the Midwest and southeastern United States.

Hybrid Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops

At-a-Glance

• Family: Moronidae (Temperate Basses)

• Other Names: Wiper, sunshine bass, palmetto bass

• Ohio Status: Sport fish

• Adult Size: Typically 12-22 inches, can reach over 30 inches. Usually weighs 1-5 pounds, can reach 18 pounds.

• Typical Foods: Adults feed primarily on fish often gizzard shad in reservoirs. Young feed on larval insects, worms, and larval fish.
Description
Hybrid striped bass are a silver deep-bodied fish, similar to white bass. Stripes along the sides and back are distinct, usually broken, with several extending to the tail. Teeth on the base of the tongue are arranged in two parallel patches.

Habitat and Habits
Hybrid striped bass usually occupy open water and prey on gizzard shad. They can often be found by watching gulls circling and feeding on the water. This happens when schools of hybrid striped bass herd gizzard shad to the water’s surface where the shad are easier to catch. They are stocked in the Ohio River and several reservoirs within the state. They are more tolerant to warm water than are striped bass and grow very rapidly.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
This species does not occur naturally; those found in Ohio waters are stocked by the Ohio Division of Wildlife on an annual basis to maintain sport fisheries. The hybrid striped bass is created by crossing a female striped bass with a male white bass.