The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sunfishes

Roanoke Bass, Ambloplites cavifrons

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Compressed, stocky body
ï¿½	Large, terminal mouth
ï¿½	Dark-edged anal fin
ï¿½	Almost no cheek scales
ï¿½	Rounded pectoral fin
ï¿½	Heart-shaped tail fin
ï¿½	Large, red eye
ï¿½	Dark brown or olive body

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 150-235 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm, large creeks, streams, and small rivers
ï¿½	Rocky, graveled, and well-silted bottoms

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Chowan and Roanoke drainages
ï¿½	Extirpated from the upper Roanoke system

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Young eat small crustaceans and insects
ï¿½	Juveniles and adults eat crayfish, fish, insects

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature in 2 or 3 years
ï¿½	Spawning has not been observed 
ï¿½	May spawn in faster water than the rock bass (A. rupestris)
ï¿½	In hatcheries, spawning occurs from mid-May to mid-June at 20-22ï¿½C
ï¿½	Males construct round nests in clay and gravel near banks
ï¿½	Male guards the nest and watches over the larvae
ï¿½	Fecundity is 3,000-11,500 eggs per female
ï¿½	Hybridizes with rock bass (A. rupestris)

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Has the smallest native range of all North American gamefish
ï¿½	Localized due to extirpation from many areas because of impoundment, pollution, and siltation
ï¿½	Has special concern status in Virginia and North Carolina
ï¿½	Good to eat and fish for

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):