TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes)
Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfishes)
Genus/species: Micropterus salmoides
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Common length : 40.0 cm, (16 inches), max. published weight: 10.1 kg (22 1/4 lbs). Mouth large; maxillary extending beyond the eye. Green to olive dorsally, milk-white to yellow ventrally, with a black band running from the operculum to the base of the caudal fin. Caudal fin rounded
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Native to eastern North America and historically ranged from southern Canada to northern Mexico, and from the Atlantic coast to the central region of the United States. Prefers quiet, shallow, clear water with lots of vegetation. Seldom found deeper than 20 feet.
DIET: Crayfish and other fish species including their own. Other sunfish species are the food of choice for most adult largemouth bass.
REPRODUCTION and DEVELOPMENT: Males prepare and build a crude nest in shallow water. Following an act of courtship, female lays eggs in the nest. Males guard the eggs until they hatch. The schooling fry remain close to their father for about a month.
PREDATORS: Herons, bitterns, and kingfishers. Max. reported age: 23 years.
CONSERVATION: World Conservation Union (IUCN) not listed as endangered or vulnerable.
REMARKS: It is the most popular game fish in the United States and is a potential pest as it can eradicate indigenous species. Largemouth bass have been introduced successfully all over the world.
Swamp SW02
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Ron's Critter of the Day 