......................Smallmouth Bass
Common names:.......none Origin:......................Eastern and Northern US Max size:..................16" PH:............-..............6.8-7.2 Temperature:...........58-70 F. Min tank size:..........90 gallons Food:.........................Live foods, meaty food |
The smallmouth bass by no means has a "smallmouth." Like its relatives,
the smallmouth is another example of a true predatory sunfish. It exists
throughout eastern and northern U.S. where it is unparelled as a freshwater sportfish.
For the lay person, the smallmouth is merely identical to the largemouth,
however there are many characteristics that seperate the two. Unlike the
largemouth, the eye does not extend past the eye, but rests just before it (hence the name smallmouth).
The smallmouth is taller, usually darker, with less greenish markings, and
there are somewhat diffused but dark vertical bands that make up most of
the fishes mottling. However, identification can become tricky in that the
smallmouth, like all Micropterus spp., have a dark mid-horizontal band, and
their face has scattered dark lines. The smallmouth does in fact grow
smaller than the largemouth.
Because this fish is native, it is not available on the retail market, therfore
you have to collect them. As with all Micropterus spp., the best way to collect
them is by angling. If you cannot do this, you might be able to get a specimen
through aquatic consultants with the right permits. As with all native gamefish,
check you local Department of Fish and Game laws before collecting any.
If the largemouth bass is a warmth loving fish, which likes shallow water
with plenty of vegetation, than the smallmouth is exactly the opposite. Smallmouths
enjoy colder, northern streams, rivers and lakes, with plenty of rocks and sunk trees.
Keep this in mind when setting up the aquarium. They require cold (58-70F), neutral water
with a good current and plenty of oxygen. Unlike the largemouth they enjoy rocks, and
driftwood more than vegetation. For food, live foods will be needed to make up the
bulk of the fish's diet. In the wild all black basses have been known to take anything from
brine shrimp to muskrats and sparrows. In the aquarium, live fish, crustaceans, and especially
worms and nightcrawlers are relished. After a while most black bass learn to eat dead foods
like beefheart and carnivorous fish pellets. All black bass are super-predators and are extremely
efficient, cunning fish. Thus the best companions are other bass of any species, that are
the same size, or native catfish. They look excellent with native sunfish but beware, bass are
evolved to eat flat bodied spiny fish. A tank no less than 90 gallons is required.
Breeding is accomplished earlier than most species of bass. Like all species, they are quite
prolific in fish farms and ponds. The male tends to the brood and plays a more important role
in reproduction.
The smallmouth is a fantastic native species that does surprisingly well in captivity. It allows the fisherman to understand his quarry up-close and personal.
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