Largemouth bass
A large freshwater predator native to North America, prized by anglers and invasive in many regions.
The largemouth bass is a carnivorous ray-finned fish belonging to the sunfish family. It originates from the eastern United States and has been introduced globally for sport fishing.
- Max recorded length is 75 cm with unofficial weight of 11.4 kg.
- State fish of Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama.
- Upper jaw extends beyond the rear margin of the eye.
- Introduced globally, causing declines in native species.
- World record catch weighed 10.12 kg in Japan in 2009.
What it is
This ray-finned fish belongs to the Centrarchidae family, commonly known as sunfish. Adults display olive green to grayish scales marked by dark horizontal blotches. A key physical trait is an upper jaw that extends past the eye socket. They are the largest black bass species, reaching seventy-five centimetres in length. Females typically grow larger than males. The fish thrives in shallow waters rich with aquatic plants, maintaining small home ranges within lakes.
Where it lives
Native habitats include the eastern and central United States, extending into southeastern Canada and northern Mexico. Due to its popularity, the species has been introduced worldwide. It survives well in urban streams and various climates. Invasive populations exist in places like Japan, Namibia, and New Brunswick. These introductions often disrupt local ecosystems through predation on native fry and competition for resources.
How it lives
Juveniles eat water fleas, copepods, and small insects. Adults hunt smaller fish, worms, snails, crawfish, and amphibians. Prey can reach half the predator's body length. Bass use sight, hearing, and vibration senses to strike under cover like weeds or brush. Young bass face predators such as herons, pike, and eagles. Adults act as apex predators in their specific habitat zones. They show trophic plasticity, adjusting diets to survive in new environments.
Breeding and life cycle
Spawning begins in spring when water exceeds sixteen degrees Celsius. Males construct nests by moving debris with their tails on sand, gravel, or mud. Nests measure roughly twice the male's length. Pairs release eggs and sperm over the nest. Males guard the clutch until hatching occurs in two to four days. They continue protecting young fry for about two weeks post-hatch. Multiple spawnings may occur within a single season.
Fish and people
Anglers prize this fish for its vigorous fight when hooked. Lures, jigs, and live bait like minnows or frogs are common techniques. Trophy records involve weights exceeding twenty-two pounds. The species holds state fish status in Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. Its tolerance allows it to thrive in altered urban waterways. However, its introduction has led to declines in native biodiversity in several countries.
Status and threats
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as least concern. High angling pressure can alter physiology, reducing stress resilience and aerobic scope. Repeated exposure to cortisol from handling affects future generations negatively. Conservation efforts focus on protected areas to maintain healthy populations. Invasive range expansion remains a significant ecological threat to native fish communities globally.
Questions people ask about Largemouth bass
What is the scientific name of the largemouth bass?
Recent phylogenomic studies identify the correct binomial name as Micropterus nigricans. This distinguishes it from the Florida bass, which is classified as Micropterus salmoides. The name was formally established by Georges Cuvier in 1828 based on specimens from Lake Huron.
How big does a largemouth bass get?
The maximum recorded length is 75 cm, equivalent to 29.5 inches. Unofficial weights have reached 11.4 kg, or 25 pounds 1 ounce. Reports from Cuba speculate even larger sizes, though these lack official verification. Female bass generally grow larger than males.
Why is the largemouth bass considered invasive?
It displaces native species through predation and competition in introduced ranges. In places like Japan and Namibia, it causes sharp declines in local fish populations. It also preys on native fry, threatening species like salmon and trout in colder waters. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in stable aquatic food webs.
What do largemouth bass eat?
Adults consume smaller fish, shad, worms, snails, crawfish, frogs, and snakes. Juveniles feed on insects, water fleas, and small shrimp. Prey items can be up to fifty percent of the bass's body length. They hunt using sight, hearing, and vibration senses near underwater structures.
Good reading and sources
- Largemouth bass on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Largemouth bass", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
Like Largemouth bass
All other fish
🇺🇸 United StatesWhite sucker
A common North American freshwater cypriniform fish with fleshy lips used for bottom feeding.Other · Rivers and lakes · 1803
🇺🇸 United States and 2 moreGar
Ancient armored fish with lung-like swim bladders found in North American waters.Ancient · Rivers and lakes · 1758
🇺🇸 United States and 2 moreLongnose gar
A primitive ray-finned fish with a long snout and armored scales found in North America.Other · Rivers and lakes · 1758
🇷🇺 Russia and 3 moreBurbot
A coldwater freshwater fish with a chin whisker, native to the Northern Hemisphere.Other · Rivers and lakes · 1758
More from Centrarchidae
All of them
🇺🇸 United States and 2 morePumpkinseed
A small freshwater fish native to eastern North America, known for its bright colours and red ear flap.Perch-like · Rivers and lakes · 1793
🇺🇸 United States and 2 moreBluegill
A common North American sunfish known for its blue gill covers and popularity with anglers.Perch-like · Rivers and lakes · 1854
🇺🇸 United States and 3 moreBlack crappie
A spotted freshwater sunfish native to North America, prized by anglers for its sport and table fare.Perch-like · Rivers and lakes · 1856
🇺🇸 United States and 2 moreRock bass
A small, red-eyed freshwater sunfish native to North America.Perch-like · Rivers and lakes