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Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) — Centrarchidae

Ozark bass

Ambloplites constellatus
Family: Centrarchidae

The Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
27.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

The Ozark bass is a sunfish (Centrarchidae) endemic to the White River drainage in the Ozark Plateau of the midwestern United States. The species grows to about 28 cm and has a stocky, brownish body densely speckled with small dark spots, and often reddish eyes. As a bottom-oriented ambush predator it shelters around stones and wood in clear streams and hunts small fish, crustaceans and insects. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ozark bass?

The Ozark bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Ozark bass live?

The Ozark bass lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: USA

How big does the Ozark bass get?

The Ozark bass grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.

Is the Ozark bass dangerous to humans?

No, the Ozark bass is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) — Centrarchidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Mitchel Buckner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) — Centrarchidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Matthew Friant, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) — Centrarchidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Cornysweaterman (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) — Centrarchidae — 5
Steven Wang (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
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All data

Identification

English name
Ozark bass sourced
Scientific name
Ambloplites constellatus
Family
Centrarchidae
Other names
Ozark bass; Bass verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
27.9 verified
Average length (cm)
13.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Ambloplites

More from the family Centrarchidae

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