Largemouth bass
Micropterus salmoides
Common name:
Largemouth bassScientific name:
Micropterus salmoidesAlternative common names:
Bigmouth bass, black bass, bucketmouth, Potter's fish.
The largemouth bass is an olive green fish with a series of dark, sometimes black, blotches forming a jagged horizontal stripe along each flank. The upper jaw extends beyond the rear margin of the eye socket.
Additional Info
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Where does this species come from?
North America.What is its invasive status in South Africa?
NEMBA Category 1b.Where in South Africa is it a problem?
Rivers in the Eastern Cape.How does it spread?
Introduced into many countries due to its popularity as a sport fish.Why is it a problem?
It is a predator with no competition. It is pushing out indigenous species and could cause extinction of certain species.What does it look like?
Description: The largemouth bass is olive green with dark blotches forming a jagged horizontal stripe along each flank. Females are larger than males. It can grow up to 75cm in length and weigh up to 11.4kg. It has an average lifespan of 16 years. The upper jaw reaches far beyond the rear margin of the eye socket. Habitat: Lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands. Breeding: The male prepares the nest, usually in 1-4 feet of water, by using his fins to expose gravel, shells or plant roots on the bottom, making a circle of 2-3 feet across.