A Hybrid Striped Bass being measured during an electrofishing survey. Photo by ©Scott Herrmann - DWR
Fisheries Biologist Scott Herrmann displays a large Hybrid Striped Bass that was captured during a sampling event.
Fact File
Scientific Name: Morone chrysops × saxatilis
Classification: Fish, Order Moroniformes, Family Moronidae
Size: Hybrid Striped Bass in Virginia are most often between 15-20 inches in length. In waters with strong forage bases, individuals may reach trophy sizes of 12-14 pounds
Life Span: Hybrid Striped Bass can live for about 6 years within Virginia waters
Identifying Characteristics
- A cross between the White Bass and Striped Bass, with traits reflective of both species
- Hybrid Striped Bass are deeper bodied than Striped Bass
- Hybrid Striped Bass can grow longer and larger than White Bass
- The horizontal stripes are often broken, particularly below the lateral line
- Two dorsal fins which are not connected
- Spinous dorsal has 8 or 9 spines followed by a soft-rayed fin
Distribution
Hybrid Striped Bass have been introduced into several reservoirs within Virginia as an additional species for anglers to pursue. They are prized as a recreational angling species due to their willingness to take a wide range of lures and for the taste of their meat. Hybrid Striped Bass have also been documented sporadically in other locations such as the Staunton River.
Diet
Hybrid Striped Bass are piscivorous, regularly feeding upon Gizzard Shad or Threadfin Shad, as well as other common fish that inhabit the same areas. Hybrid Striped Bass have a propensity to ambush schools of forage species in pelagic zones of Virginia’s reservoirs.
Habitat
Hybrid Striped Bass thrive in large reservoirs and bigger, slower moving rivers. Hybrid Striped Bass are pelagic, and are most often found in deeper open waters than those near shore.
Last updated: January 13, 2025
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