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

SUNFISH (family Centrarchidae)
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris
Quick key characteristics: The rock bass is found in cool- and warmwater
habitats. Its scales are moderate in size and readily visible. It has two
elongated dorsal fi ns that are joined and appear as one, one (in front) with
sharp spines instead of rays. It has 5 to 7 spines in the elongated anal fi n and
one in each pelvic fi n. It has a large, frontward-facing mouth, which extends
backward to beyond the front margin of the eye, and a pointed snout with the
lower jaw projecting past the upper. Its body is much taller than wide.
Similar species in South Dakota: sunfi sh
Identifi cation: The combination of (1) a large, red eye, (2) fi ve or more analfi
n spines, and (3) a bronze and dusky calico coloration distinguishes the rock
bass from similar fi shes in South Dakota.
Range: The rock bass is native to east-central North America. Native
populations are present in northeastern South Dakota and introduced
populations inhabit Sheridan Reservoir (Pennington County) and other small
impoundments in the Black Hills.
Items of interest:
• Feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small fi shes
• Males construct and defend nests and guard eggs and hatchlings
• Capable of camoufl age by changing
color patterns to match surroundings
• Easily captured by angling any time
of day
• May exceed 14 in. and reach 3 lbs.
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