Maryland State Fish

Rockfish

The Rockfish, also known as the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), is the official state fish of Maryland, and it holds a special place in the state's culture and history. This iconic fish is renowned for its silver-blue scales and distinctive black stripes along its sides, making it easily recognizable. The Rockfish plays a vital role in Maryland's recreational and commercial fishing industries, as well as its culinary heritage, with its delicate, flaky flesh being a prized ingredient in countless seafood dishes. Its designation as the official state fish reflects Maryland's deep connection to its Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal waters, where the Rockfish thrives and contributes to the state's rich maritime traditions.