Why Raise Hybrid Striped Bass?
The Hybrid Striped Bass, also known as a Wiper or Whiterock Bass, is a hybrid between the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) – and the White Bass (Morone chrysops). It can be distinguished from the Striped Bass by broken, rather than solid, horizontal stripes on the body.
Hybrid Striped Bass are considered better suited for aquaculture in ponds than either parent species because they are more resilient to extremes of temperature and to low dissolved oxygen. After the Wild Striped Bass stocks nearly collapsed, the aquaculture industry responded by engineering this hybrid. The new species was established in 1967 by crossing the anadromous Wild Striped Bass with the White Bass, a fish that lives in both estuaries and fresh water.
Reproduction
Hybridization of these two species does not occur naturally. Therefore, Hybrid Striped Bass must be cultured in a fish hatchery, and fish that are removed from the aquaponics system will need to be re-stocked over time. The result combines the attractive appearance and edibility of the Wild Striped Bass with the hardier, faster-growing characteristic of the White Bass. The hybrid also offers a greater yield than its wild parents. Farmed Striped Bass reach 5 pounds, but they are usually marketed at 1 to 3 pounds.
Hybrid striped bass are produced in various systems including ponds, raceways and tanks, but they are best suited to pond culture. Fingerlings can be stocked in grow-out ponds at 3,000 to 5,000 per acre. They can be kept in the ponds for approximately 15 to 18 months, when they reach market size of 1.25 to 2.5 pounds.
Ideal Conditions
Hybrid Striped Bass tolerate a wide range of water temperatures ranging from 39º to 84º F, however, maximum growth occurs between 77º and 81º F. Therefore, in the temperate zone of the U.S., the highest growth rates will occur from March through June and from September through November. The Hybrid Striped Bass also enjoys insects, Bluegill, small fish such as Golden Shiners, and commercial fish food.
To learn more, visit the Bass page on this website. Live Aquaponics sells two kinds of bass - Largemouth Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. We also sell minnows and a high-protein fish food perfect for raising bass. If you have any questions while making your selection, feel free to contact us. We love to talk with our customers.