The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sunfishes

Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu

 

Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Moderately elongate, streamlined body
ï¿½	Dark, olive-colored side that is often barred
ï¿½	Dorsal fin not deeply notched
ï¿½	Somewhat compressed
ï¿½	Large, terminal mouth (lower jaw extends slightly more forward than upper jaw)
ï¿½	Tail fin is slightly forked
ï¿½	Jaw does not extend past the eye
ï¿½	Three horizontal, dark green bars on cheek

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
ï¿½	Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 200-430 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Clear creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes over rocky bottoms

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Big Sandy and Tennessee drainages
ï¿½	Introduced to the New and all major Atlantic slope drainages (Roanoke, James, etc.)

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

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature in 3-4 years
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in May in water that is 16-22ï¿½C
ï¿½	Males build nests near shore in streams in slow currents near cover
ï¿½	Males defend the eggs and the larvae aggressively
ï¿½	Fecundity is 2,601-27,716 eggs per female
ï¿½	Naturally hybridizes with spotted bass
ï¿½	Crossed with largemouth bass, forms ï¿½meanmouthï¿½
ï¿½	Smallmouth and bluegill naturally hybridized in a Hawaiian reservoir

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	A  valued sport fish 
ï¿½	Early subject of governmental and private stocking programs
ï¿½	Smallmouth bass magazine called Smallmouth 

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):