pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

TEMPERATE BASS (family Moronidae)
White Bass
Morone chrysops
Quick key characteristics: The white bass is found in cool- to warm-water
habitats. Its scales are moderate in size and readily visible. It has two,
separated and elongated dorsal fi ns, one (in front) with sharp spines instead
of rays. It has one spine in the rear dorsal fi n, one in each pelvic fi n, and three
in the anal fi n. It also has a spine and serrations on the operculum. It has a
large, forward-facing mouth, with a pointed snout and lower jaw projecting
past the upper. Its body is taller than wide.
Similar species in South Dakota: other bass, especially striped and yellow
bass and wiper (a purposeful hybrid between white and striped bass)
Identifi cation: The combination of (1) light olive to white coloration with 6
to 7 dark, horizontal stripes, (2) separated dorsal fi ns, (3) three anal fi n spines,
(4) a relatively long anal fi n with three spines of roughly equal “thickness”,
(5) humped profi le between the snout and fi rst dorsal fi n, and (6) single tooth
patch at base of tongue distinguishes the white bass from similar fi shes in
South Dakota.
Range: The white bass is native to river basins that drain into the Gulf of
Mexico, including the Mississippi River basin. In South Dakota, it is present
in the Missouri River, larger tributaries and some glacial lakes.
Items of interest:
• Feeds primarily on fi shes, insects, and
crustaceans
• Makes spring spawning runs to shallow
shores of lakes, stream mouths, and
sometimes farther upstream
• Flesh is fi rm and white
• May exceed 17 in. and 5 lbs.
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