Darters Perches and Relatives: Percoidei

Physical characteristics: Largemouth bass reach a length of about 38 inches (97 centimeters). The mouth is so large it extends back past the eyes. These fish are light green to light brown on the back and upper part of the sides and white on the lower sides and belly. A dark stripe runs along each side of the body.

Geographic range: Largemouth bass are native to the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada but have been introduced worldwide.

Habitat: Largemouth bass live in lakes, ponds, and rivers that have many hiding places.

The mouth of a largemouth bass is so large it extends back past the eyes. (Illustration by Emily Damstra. Reproduced by permission.)

Diet: Largemouth bass mainly eat crustaceans and fishes. Crustaceans (krus-TAY-shuns) are water-dwelling animals that have jointed legs and a hard shell but no backbone.

Behavior and reproduction: Adult largemouth bass live alone. The young form schools. At spawning time males become territorial and dig a nest in a weedy area at the bottom of the water. A female may lay eggs over several nests. Both males and females guard their eggs and young.

Largemouth bass and people: Largemouth bass are popular sport fish.

Conservation status: Largemouth bass are not threatened or endangered. ∎