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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus nigricans

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Wetland
Active Seasons: Spring
Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)
Lifespan: 16 years

One of the most highly sought-after sport fishes in the U.S. The Largemouth Bass is marked by a series of dark blotches forming a ragged horizontal stripe along its sides and an upper jaw that extends beyond the back of the eye. It is the largest species of the black bass. The average weight of a Largemouth Bass is 1 to 2 lbs., with the maximum recorded weight being 22 lbs. It can put up a respectable fight for the sport fisherman and responds well to catch-and-release due to its hardiness and ability to withstand repeated hook injuries. The Largemouth Bass is more tolerant of warm water than its smaller cousin the Smallmouth Bass.

Diet

Juveniles consume small bait fish, scuds, water fleas, copepods, small shrimp, and insects. Adults consume smaller fish, shad, worms, snails, crawfish, frogs, snakes, and salamanders.

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)
Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class: Actinopterygii
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Order: Centrarchiformes
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Family: Centrarchidae
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Genus: Micropterus
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Species: Micropterus nigricans

Scientific Name

Micropterus nigricans
Breeding Season
Late winter when water temps reach 15 degree celsius
Lifespan
16 years

Behavior

Juvenile largemouth bass are a social group because they form schools with similarly-sized fish. Adults are usually solitary and do not interact with each other. During the spring they migrate into the warmest available waters, about 15-18 degrees Celsius. During the winter they migrate into deeper water, typically 5-15 meters. During the day, bass may rest under lily pads or in the shade. During the evening, they become very active and move to shallow water to feed. After they are done feeding, much like the afternoons, they return to deeper waters where they rest under logs.

Ecological Role

Largemouth bass are a top predator and considered a keystone species. In the ecosystem, they exert top-down control of the food web.

Active Seasons

Spring

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Native to much of eastern North America. It has a broad range as far north as Quebec, Canada and as far south as northern Mexico.

Local Abundance

Abundant

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional Notes

The largemouth bass is the state fish of Georgia and Mississippi, and the state freshwater fish of Florida and Alabama.

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