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Shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) — Centrarchidae

Shadow bass

Ambloplites ariommus
Family: Centrarchidae

The Shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 31 cm.

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

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Description

The shadow bass is a sunfish (Centrarchidae) from fresh water of the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, brownish body with a marbled pattern of dark blotches that provides good camouflage, and large, often reddish eyes. As a bottom-oriented ambush predator it shelters around stones, roots and fallen 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 Shadow bass?

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

Where does the Shadow bass live?

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

How big does the Shadow bass get?

The Shadow bass grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.

Is the Shadow bass dangerous to humans?

No, the Shadow 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

Shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) — Centrarchidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) — Centrarchidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Noah D, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) — Centrarchidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Micah Shively, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) — Centrarchidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Noah D, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Shadow bass sourced
Scientific name
Ambloplites ariommus
Family
Centrarchidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled 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

Fin

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