Food Encyclopedia

striped bass

From the Atlantic coast, this true bass is also called striper, greenhead, squidhound and, in the Chesapeake Bay region, rockfish (not to be confused with the species rockfish). The striped bass is anadromous, meaning that it migrates from a saltwater habitat to spawn in fresh water. It can range in size from 2 to 70 pounds, though market weight is usually between 2 and 15 pounds. The striped bass is olive green fading to silver, and has 6 to 8 longitudinal black stripes. It has a moderately fat, firm-textured flesh with a mild, sweet flavor. Striped bass can be prepared in a variety of ways including broiling, grilling, poaching and steaming. Both white bass and yellow bass are freshwater members of the striped bass family. See also fish.