Home · Centrarchidae · American black bass
American black bass (Micropterus salmoides) — Centrarchidae

American black bass

Micropterus salmoides
Family: Centrarchidae
LC · Least Concern

The American black bass (Micropterus salmoides) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 97 cm.

Length
97 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–6.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The largemouth bass is a green predatory sunfish of the family Centrarchidae that can reach about 97 cm but usually stays around 40 cm. The species has a very large mouth extending behind the eye and a dark, irregular lateral stripe along the flank. Native to North America, the largemouth bass has been introduced worldwide for sport fishing and is established in Europe, where it locally displaces native fishes. It lives in still or slow-flowing, clear water and hunts fish, crayfish and frogs. Males are territorial and build nests in spring and summer, guarding the eggs and young.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the American black bass?

The American black bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the American black bass live?

The American black bass lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the American black bass get?

The American black bass grows to a maximum of about 97 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the American black bass dangerous to humans?

No, the American black bass is harmless to humans.

Is the American black bass edible?

Yes, the American black bass is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Forelbaars verified
English name
American black bass verified
Scientific name
Micropterus salmoides
Family
Centrarchidae
Other names
Bass; Black bass verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
97.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked sourced
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
6.0 verified
Origin
Non-native (invasive) verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Solitary verified
Territorial
Yes verified
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified
levensduur_max_jaar
23 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten verified
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Micropterus

More from the family Centrarchidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →