Hi *|FNAME|*,
Giant Sea Bass play an important role in their ecosystems. They are critically endangered and are apex predators. They influence the rest of the food chain below them and help bring balance to their environment.1
They live off the coast of California in areas that contain kelp forests.2 They also can live for a very long time. They can live to be as old as we humans do. They also reach incredible lengths. When they are a year old, they’ll be about six inches long. However, as they grow, they can get up to seven feet long.3
When young, Giant Sea Bass are black and orange. When they get older, they turn darker, ending up a gray or black color.3 Because they live such long lives, they reproduce at older ages – usually between 11 and 13 years old.1
They don’t chase down their prey. Instead, they go after species that live close to the bottom of the ocean – think crabs, lobsters, sting rays, small sharks, octopuses, and squids.1
Before 1950, Giant Sea Bass had plentiful numbers off the coast of California. Overfishing then brought down their numbers drastically.1 Aquariums and universities have tried to step in and breed them as part of conservation efforts, but it’s difficult to breed them in captivity. However, some success has led to the raising of Giant Sea Bass in captivity and then releasing them back into the wild with radio transmitters to learn more about how to help them.2
Sometimes we need to learn more about animals before we can determine how best to help them. Learn more about animals with our fun STEM activities!
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