Smallmouth Bass

(Micropterus dolomieu)

How do you identify a smallmouth bass?
The smallmouth bass is gray, olive green, and silver with a dark vertical bands and a subtle stripe along each side. The smallmouth bass look a lot like largemouth bass. The distinguishing characteristic is the size of the mouth. On the largemouth, the back of the mouth goes past the back of the eye. On the smallmouth, the back of the mouth goes to the middle of the eye.

What family of fish does the smallmouth bass belong to?
Most people are not aware that bass are actually a member of the sunfish family. Other members of the sunfish family include white and black crappies and what we typically think of as sunfish, the bluegill and green sunfish.

How big can a smallmouth bass get?
The average length of a smallmouth bass is 8-15 inches and they usually weigh under 3 pounds. They will reach this size in the first 3-5 years. The Minnesota state record for a largemouth bass is 8 lbs!

Where do smallmouth bass live?
Smallmouth bass prefer quiet, clear streams, ponds, and lakes with aquatic vegetation for cover.

What do smallmouth bass eat?
Smallmouth bass primarily eat aquatic insects, other fish, and crayfish. Smallmouth bass are preyed upon by larger fish including other bass, walleyes, northern pike and muskies.

Do smallmouth bass care for their young?
Yes. As in other sunfish species, the male prepares, defends and cares for the nest and embryos. Once the embryos hatch, they spend another week in the nest while they continue to develop. Finally, they leave the nest and begin feeding. The male smallmouth bass protects this swarm until the young are ready to venture out on their own.

How long can a smallmouth bass live?
A smallmouth bass can live 10 to 12 years, but most do not live that long.

The information above is common scientific knowledge. For a list of specific resources, visit the Animal FAQ Resources page.

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