Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) is a widespread species native to the midwestern and southern United states. Their range has expanded to include every state excluding Alaska. These fish are part of the black bass family and are characterized by green backs and pale yellow to white bellies with a black band that stretches along their lateral line. Largemouth bass are the largest of the black basses, reaching up to 38 inches in length. The species can be differentiated from the closely related smallmouth bass by its larger mouth that reaches to under or past the eye. Largemouth bass were introduced throughout the United States because of their popularity as sport fish. While contributing significantly to fisheries economies, the species has also played a role in the decline of many native species through competition and predation. Largemouth bass are a predatory fish that consume a variety of prey ranging from zooplankton and insects to larger fishes depending on their life stage.