The term “bass” describes various fish species found in both freshwater and marine environments. While many associate the name with a single type of fish, it encompasses a diverse group. This broad usage reflects similarities in appearance, behavior, or ecological roles rather than strict scientific kinship.
The Broad Definition of “Bass”
The common name “bass” does not denote a single scientific classification, but rather a general term applied to numerous species. This usage often stems from shared physical attributes, such as a torpedo-shaped body or predatory feeding habits, or historical naming conventions. Most fish called “bass” belong to three primary families: Centrarchidae, Moronidae, and Serranidae. Centrarchidae, or sunfishes, includes the black basses. Moronidae encompasses temperate basses found in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments, while Serranidae, often called sea basses or groupers, represents a large group of marine fish.
Prominent Freshwater Bass Species
Several distinct freshwater bass species inhabit lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America. These species primarily belong to the sunfish family, Centrarchidae, and vary in size, coloration, and preferred habitat.
Largemouth Bass
The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) is identifiable by its olive-green body, dark lateral stripe, and a jaw extending beyond its eye. This species thrives in clear, vegetated lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, commonly reaching 10-24 inches and 1-8 pounds. They are ambush predators, often found near submerged vegetation or logs.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are found in cooler, clearer waters of rivers and rocky lakes, often exhibiting a brown or bronze color with vertical bars. Their jaw does not extend past the eye. These fish prefer rocky bottoms and strong currents, typically growing to 10-20 inches and 1-5 pounds.
Spotted Bass
Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) share similarities with both largemouth and smallmouth bass, identified by rows of dark spots on their lower sides and a mouth extending to, but not beyond, the eye. They inhabit clear streams and rivers, preferring rocky or gravelly areas. These fish generally average smaller than largemouth bass, reaching lengths of 12-18 inches.
White Bass and Yellow Bass
White Bass (Morone chrysops) and Yellow Bass (Morone mississippiensis) are members of the Moronidae family, known as temperate basses. White bass are silvery with distinct horizontal stripes, found in large lakes and rivers, and typically weigh 1-3 pounds. Yellow bass are smaller, with broken stripes and a yellowish hue, preferring slower waters and found in smaller lakes and impoundments.
Freshwater Striped Bass
Freshwater populations of Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) are part of the temperate bass family, known for prominent dark horizontal stripes. While primarily marine, landlocked populations thrive in large freshwater reservoirs and rivers, often exceeding 30 pounds. These powerful fish are active predators.
Prominent Saltwater Bass Species
Saltwater environments host a variety of fish known as bass, many belonging to the Serranidae family, or true sea basses. These species exhibit diverse appearances, sizes, and preferred marine habitats, from coastal shallows to deep reefs.
Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a well-known saltwater species, recognized by its elongated body and seven or eight dark horizontal stripes. These migratory fish inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers, ranging from Nova Scotia to Florida. They can reach impressive sizes, with individuals exceeding 50 pounds.
Black Sea Bass
Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) are members of the Serranidae family, found along the Atlantic coast of North America. These fish have a dark, mottled coloration and a spiny dorsal fin. They prefer rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs, growing to about 1-5 pounds.
White Sea Bass
White Sea Bass (Atractoscion nobilis) belong to the drum family (Sciaenidae), but are commonly called bass due to their similar shape and size. Found along the Pacific coast of North America, they are silvery-blue with a long, slender body. These fish can exceed 60 pounds and inhabit kelp forests and sandy bottoms.
European Sea Bass
The European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a temperate bass from the Moronidae family, widespread across the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. It has a streamlined, silvery body with two dorsal fins and can tolerate a range of salinities. European sea bass commonly reach about 50 cm in length, but can grow up to 1 meter and live for up to 30 years.
Giant Sea Bass
Giant Sea Bass (Stereolepis gigas) are among the largest bony fish, native to the North Pacific Ocean. These massive fish can grow over 7 feet long and weigh more than 700 pounds, characterized by a bulky body and a single, notched dorsal fin. Juveniles are orange with black spots, while adults are typically gray or brown and prefer rocky reefs and kelp beds.
Other Fish Commonly Called “Bass”
Beyond prominent freshwater and saltwater species, the common name “bass” is colloquially applied to a variety of other fish not closely related to the main bass families. These fish often share superficial resemblances or fishing characteristics, leading to their inclusion under the broad “bass” umbrella. Understanding their true classifications reveals the diverse nature of this naming convention.
Peacock Bass
Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) are large freshwater cichlids native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. They belong to the Cichlidae family, not Centrarchidae, despite their name and similar body shape. They are known for vibrant colors, often with vertical bars and a distinctive black spot near the tail.
Rock Bass
Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) are members of the sunfish family, Centrarchidae. They are found in cooler, clear freshwater habitats, preferring rocky areas. Rock bass are characterized by their red eyes and a deep, stocky body, typically smaller than true black bass species.