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

Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Quick key characteristics: The largemouth bass is found in primarily warmwater
habitats. Its scales are moderate in size. It has two, nearly separated dorsal
fi ns, one (in front) with sharp spines instead of rays. It has one spine in each pelvic
fi n, and three in the anal fi n. It has a very large, frontward-facing mouth, which
extends beyond the rear margin of the eye in larger individuals, and a pointed
snout and lower jaw projecting past the upper. Its body is taller than wide.
Similar species in South Dakota: other bass, especially smallmouth bass
Identifi cation: The combination of (1) a mouth extending beyond the rear margin
of the eye, (2) a dark lateral (horizontal) stripe, (3) nearly separated dorsal fi ns,
(4) larger cheek scales, and (5) a humped dorsal profi le between the snout and
fi rst dorsal fi n distinguishes the largemouth bass from the smallmouth bass.
Range: The largemouth bass is native to southeastern North America, north
to the Great Lakes and west to the Great Plains. In South Dakota, it is native
to waters of the Minnesota and Big Sioux river basins, but has been widely
introduced elsewhere. It is often abundant in ponds, lakes, and impoundments,
particularly when protected from wind and containing submerged vegetation.
Items of interest:
• Feeds primarily on fi sh, crustaceans, and insects
• Males construct nests and guard the
eggs and hatchlings
• Young-of-year have two distinct
vertical bands on the tail (caudal) fi n
• Very popular sport fi sh and predator
on insects, crayfi sh, and fi shes
• May exceed 24 in. and 9 lbs.
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