Redeye Bass

The redeye bass (Micropterus coosae), also called Coosa bass, is a member of the sunfish family, Centrachidae. This species is native to the southeastern United States, specifically the Coosa River basin and its tributaries; however, it has been introduced to several states outside of its native range. Named for their red eyes, redeye bass grow up to 47 cm and are typically olive green to brown with darker brown mottling. In 2013, the species complex was split into five, with M. coosae being restricted to the Coosa River system in Georgia. An opportunistic predator, the majority of the diet of redeye bass is terrestrial insects, however they have also been known to eat aquatic insects, fish, crayfish, and salamanders. First introduced to California in 1953 as broodstock with established populations forming by 1964. Since their introduction, the species has been linked to declines in California native species including fish, such as hardhead, and amphibians including various frogs and the California tiger salamander. They reach sexual maturity at 2 to 4 years, and females around 15 cm in length are known to produce an average of 2,084 eggs per season.

Fun Fact: The redeye bass has been known to interbreed with other species, such as the spotted and smallmouth bass.