Threadfin shad and gizzard shad are the most common fish prey species. However, many species of forage fish have been found in stomachs of hybrids. There is seasonal variation in feeding habits with a shift towards larger organisms in the winter and summer. However, optimum growing conditions occur when water temperatures are 25 to 27 C. Hybrids grow rapidly during their first two years of life. Growth to 275 to 375 mm in length and 225 to 350 grams in the first year and 450 to 550 mm in length and 1 to 1.5 kg in the second year is common.
Growth rate declines rapidly with increasing age and is similar in males and females.
Maximum reported weight for a hybrid striped bass is approximately 10 kg. The typical size of hybrids caught by fishermen generally ranges from 2 to 5 pounds, but fish in the 10 to 15 pound range are not uncommon. Hybrid striped bass are generally harvested at a weight of 1.5 to 2.5 pounds when they are 18 to 24 months old. Spawning Hybrid striped bass, unlike some other hybrids, is fertile. A few females are mature at 2 years of age, but all are mature at 3 years.