The term “bass” is widely used to refer to various fish species. Determining an exact number is not straightforward because “bass” is a common name applied to many fish not closely related scientifically. This broad usage highlights the complexity of fish classification.
Defining “Bass”: More Than Just One Fish
“Bass” is a broad common name, not a precise scientific classification. It applies to numerous fish species across different scientific families, found in both freshwater and saltwater. This widespread use for diverse fish causes confusion when counting distinct “bass” species. These fish may share similar physical characteristics, such as body shape or predatory behavior, or they may have been historically grouped under the same name by anglers and local communities.
True Bass Species
Fish scientifically recognized as “true bass” belong primarily to two families: Moronidae (temperate basses) and Percichthyidae (temperate perches or Australian freshwater basses). Moronidae includes at least six species in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments across North America, Europe, and North Africa. Examples include Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) and European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).
The Percichthyidae family comprises 22 to 40 species, mainly in Australia and parts of South America, such as Australian Bass (Macquaria novemaculeata). True bass species typically exhibit characteristics such as silvery-white coloration with horizontal stripes and spiny-rayed fins. These groups represent fish most accurately categorized under the scientific definition of “bass.”
Fish Also Known as Bass
Many other popular fish are commonly called “bass” but belong to different scientific families. For instance, Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are known as “black basses” but are members of the sunfish family, Centrarchidae. This family includes other well-known game fish like crappie and bluegill. These fish are called “bass” due to their similar body shapes and characteristics as sport fish, despite being distantly related to true bass.
Various “sea bass” species also belong to other families. The Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata), along with many groupers, is in the Serranidae family. The Giant Sea Bass (Stereolepis gigas) is part of the wreckfish family, Polyprionidae. Even the Chilean Sea Bass (Dissostichus eleginoides) is a Patagonian toothfish, belonging to the Nototheniidae family, not a true bass. These fish acquired the “bass” moniker due to their appearance, habitat, or fishing methods.
The Nuances of Bass Taxonomy
Understanding why many different fish are called “bass” involves recognizing the distinction between common and scientific names. Common names are informal labels that vary significantly by region and may apply to species with superficial similarities. A single common name might refer to multiple unrelated species. Their regional variability and lack of precision make common names unreliable for exact identification.
Scientific names, conversely, use binomial nomenclature, a two-part system providing a unique, universally recognized name for each species. This system ensures scientists worldwide can precisely identify fish without confusion. Ichthyology, the study of fish, is dynamic; ongoing research, particularly through genetic analysis, can lead to reclassifications as new information about evolutionary relationships emerges. This continuous refinement means fish categorization, including those known as bass, can evolve over time.