Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass is a freshwater predatory fish in the sunfish family, native to much of eastern and central North America and widely introduced elsewhere.

The largemouth bass is a freshwater predatory fish in the sunfish family, native to much of eastern and central North America and widely introduced elsewhere. It is one of the best-known sport fish in North America and is recognized for its large mouth and aggressive feeding behaviour.

Taxonomy and naming

The largemouth bass is classified as *Micropterus salmoides* in the family Centrarchidae. It is also known by names such as black bass, green bass, and bigmouth bass.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to major drainage systems across eastern and central North America, including southern Canada, and has been introduced widely beyond its native range. It typically lives in warm, slow-moving waters such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and quiet river sections. In Canada, largemouth bass are native to parts of southern Canada, including areas around the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence system, and southern Quebec and Ontario, and they are also introduced in some Canadian waters.

Biology and diet

Largemouth bass are predatory fish with a broad diet that includes smaller fish, crayfish, amphibians, insects, reptiles, and occasionally birds or mammals. Their large mouth and sensory systems help them locate and capture prey.

Sport fishing and record catches

The largemouth bass is one of North America’s most important game fish. The commonly cited world-record fish weighed 22 pounds 4 ounces and was caught in Georgia in 1932.