Smallmouth Bass
ExploreFish
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
The Smallmouth Bass is a fun fish that loves to swim in clear lakes and rivers. It has a small mouth and is known for being a great fighter when caught!
Habitat: Lakes and rivers
Appearance
The Smallmouth Bass has a bronzy-brown to olive-green body with darker vertical bars that sometimes break into spots. Its distinguishing feature is its large mouth, with the upper jaw extending only to the middle of its eye.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilyCentrarchidaeGenusMicropterus
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Male bass build and guard the nest, a true underwater dad!
Smallmouth Bass are sometimes called "bronze-backs" for their shimmering color.
They are famous for their exciting fighting spirit when caught by anglers!
They prefer clear, cool water with rocky bottoms and swift currents.
Special abilities
Ability
Rocky Retreat
Smallmouth Bass can change color slightly to match rocky riverbeds, which helps them blend in and ambush prey or avoid predators.
Ability
Super Sight Hunter
Smallmouth Bass has excellent eyesight that helps them spot tiny insects and darting minnows even in low light or clear water.
Ability
Parent Protector
Smallmouth Bass can fiercely guard their nests and newly hatched young, protecting them from hungry invaders.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 25-60 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-5.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-12 years
- Swim Speed
- 20 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 15 m
- Water Type
- Freshwater
Diet & Feeding
These hungry hunters eat many small creatures, like insects, crayfish, and minnows!
Age differences: Young bass eat mostly tiny insects; adults eat larger prey like fish and crayfish.
Primary Foods
- Crayfish
- Aquatic insects
- Minnows
- Frogs
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Red Swamp Crayfish
Procambarus clarkii
A top food choice for hungry adult bass.
eats
Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
An important food source for both young and adult bass.
eaten by
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Large birds of prey often snatch bass from the water.
eaten by
North American River Otter
Lontra canadensis
Clever mammals that hunt fish in rivers and lakes.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
Bronze BassRochelle BassSmallmouth
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Smallmouth Bass?
25-60 cm
How much does Smallmouth Bass weigh?
0.5-5.5 kg
How long does Smallmouth Bass live?
6-12 years
What does Smallmouth Bass eat?
These hungry hunters eat many small creatures, like insects, crayfish, and minnows!
How fast can Smallmouth Bass swim?
20 km/h
Where is Smallmouth Bass usually found?
Lakes and rivers
How does Smallmouth Bass hunt?
Pursuit
How deep can Smallmouth Bass go?
15 m
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