The term “bass” is commonly used to describe a diverse group of ray-finned fish found in both freshwater and marine environments, rather than a single species. This article clarifies the distinctions among these various species, exploring both scientific definitions and common usage of the term “bass.”
The Broad Definition of “Bass”
The common name “bass” is applied broadly to various fish species, but it does not always align with scientific classification. Fish referred to as “true bass” belong to the family Moronidae, which includes species like the Striped Bass and European Sea Bass. These are distinct from other fish also called “bass” that are, in fact, members of different scientific families. For instance, the popular freshwater “black basses,” such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, are actually part of the sunfish family, Centrarchidae.
This distinction highlights how common names can sometimes be misleading, grouping together fish that share similar characteristics but are not closely related genetically. The sunfish family, Centrarchidae, is characterized by traits like how they build and guard nest sites, and their preference for shallower freshwater environments. In contrast, true bass in the Moronidae family are typically open-water fish found in both fresh and saltwater habitats, and they do not exhibit parental care through nest building.
Popular Freshwater Bass Species
Among the most recognized freshwater fish commonly called “bass” are the black basses, all belonging to the sunfish family, Centrarchidae. These include the Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Spotted Bass, each with distinct features and preferred habitats.
The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides or Micropterus nigricans) is identifiable by its large mouth, where the upper jaw extends noticeably past the eye. Its body typically exhibits a green to olive-green coloration, often with a prominent dark, horizontal stripe or series of blotches along its sides. This species thrives in warm, still, and clear waters with abundant aquatic vegetation, reaching lengths up to 29.5 inches and weights of over 25 pounds in unofficial records.
The Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) generally has a smaller mouth, with its upper jaw not extending beyond the eye. Its coloration tends to be more brown or bronze, often displaying subtle vertical bars along its sides. Smallmouth bass prefer cooler, clearer waters with rocky or gravelly bottoms and are frequently found in rivers and large lakes with current. They typically grow to about 27 inches in length and can weigh up to 12 pounds.
Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) share some similarities with largemouth bass in coloration but possess a smaller mouth, similar to the smallmouth. A distinguishing characteristic is the presence of rows of dark spots below the lateral line, which gives them their common name. These bass prefer warm and clear mountain streams, rivers, and reservoirs with rocky bottoms, often inhabiting areas with more current than largemouth bass. Spotted bass can reach lengths of nearly 25 inches and weights up to 11 pounds.
Prominent Saltwater Bass Species
Saltwater environments are home to several significant fish species also referred to as “bass,” which are generally distinct from their freshwater counterparts. These include the Striped Bass and various types of Sea Bass, each adapted to their marine or brackish habitats. Their appearance and behavior reflect their oceanic lives, setting them apart from the freshwater species.
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a prominent example of a “true bass” belonging to the Moronidae family. It is an anadromous species, meaning it spends most of its adult life in saltwater but migrates to freshwater rivers to spawn. Striped bass have a streamlined, silvery body marked with seven or eight distinct dark horizontal stripes running from behind the gills to the tail. These fish are highly prized and can reach substantial sizes, with common mature weights ranging from 20 to 40 pounds, and some individuals recorded over 100 pounds.
The Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) belongs to the Serranidae family, which also includes groupers. This species has an oblong, stout body, typically smoky grey, dusky brown, or blue-black in color, with a lighter belly. Black sea bass are bottom dwellers, commonly found along the Atlantic coast from the Gulf of Maine to Florida, inhabiting rocky areas, reefs, and shipwrecks at depths that can range from shallow waters to over 400 feet. They typically reach lengths of about 12 inches, though they can grow up to 26 inches and weigh around 9 pounds.
Another notable saltwater species is the European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), also a member of the Moronidae family. This fish has a sleek, silvery body with large scales and two distinct dorsal fins, commonly found in coastal waters and estuaries across Europe and North Africa. European Sea Bass can tolerate a range of salinities and are often encountered in shallow, oxygenated waters, though adults may move to deeper waters in winter. They typically measure around 20 inches (50 cm) but can reach lengths of up to 1 meter and weigh up to 12 kilograms.