Wildlife Information -Largemouth Bass
COMMON NAME
Black Bass, Green Bass, Bigmouth, Linesides, Bucketmouth
IDENTIFYING FEATURES
Largemouth bass have a black to green back with lighter sides and a pale belly. They have a dark wavy band running the length of their sides. Their mouth extends beyond their sides.
TYPICAL ADULT
Length Up to 21 inches
Weight Up to 10 pounds (may reach 40 pounds)
Life Span Up to 15 years
Habitat
Largemouth bass inhabit weedy lakes and ponds and slow-moving rivers and streams throughout U.S. They prefer areas with lots of cover (brush, sunken logs, and rocks). The preferred temperature is 68 to 78°F.
Feeding Behavior
Largemouth bass feed on whatever is available, including small fish, leeches, salamanders, frogs, snakes, and turtles. They also feed more heavily as the water temperature rises.
Reproductive Behavior
In the spring, the male constructs a 2 to 3 foot nest by sweeping away debris with its head and tail. It will usually nest near heavy cover such as brush and logs. The male guards the eggs and fry for about a month.
Did You Know?
- Largemouth bass have a sensor along their lateral line that picks up underwater vibrations as subtle as small fish swimming nearby. The eyes of largemouth bass absorb more light than human eyes. In shallow waters, largemouth bass can detect colors, especially red.
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