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Fish profile · Centrarchidae
Largemouth bass
Micropterus nigricans
A freshwater ambush predator from North America, largemouth bass waits near submerged plants and timber for passing prey. Its upper jaw reaches behind the eye. Modern taxonomy uses Micropterus nigricans for largemouth bass; some older guides use Micropterus salmoides, now applied to Florida bass.
Last reviewed 26 October 2026 · 9 sources
- Max length
- 97 cm
- IUCN
- LC
- Least Concern
- Family
- Centrarchidae
- order Perciformes
Category from the IUCN Red List, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0); it may lag the latest Red List assessment.
How big?
Linear scale · person 170 cm
Up to 97 cm.
How to identify
- Upper jaw extends behind the eye in adults
- Dark band or blotches along the side
- Deep notch between the two dorsal-fin sections
Habitat
Vegetated lakes and slow river backwaters provide cover for adults and shelter for young fish.
- Diet
- Adults eat fish, crayfish and frogs; juveniles also take insects and small crustaceans.
- Native range
- Eastern and central North American river basins, extending from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
Catching it
- Baits and lures
- Soft plastic luresCrankbaitsTopwater lures
More photos
Sources
Last reviewed 26 October 2026