SPOTTED BASS Spotted bass congregate in large schools in the open waters of large impoundments. Look for spotted bass around boat docks and holding around isolated offshore cover...Read More View All Spotted Bass Tips

 

The spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) is a species of fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae). Other common names include Kentucky spotted bass and Alabama spotted bass. The spotted bass is the state fish of Kentucky.

Identification

Hubbs and Bailey (1940) recognize two subspecies in Alabama. Micropterus punctulatus punctulatus occurs in the Tennessee River and has 58 to 71 lateral line scales and 22 to 27 scales around the caudal peduncle. Micropterus p. henshalli is limited to the upper Mobile basin and has 68 to 77 lateral line scales and 26 to 29 caudal peduncle scales.

The spotted bass is a slender fish with black blotches along the middle of the body; with age, these join to form an irregular band. A rectangular tooth patch on the tongue distinguishes this species from largemouth bass. The dorsal fin has nine to 11 (usually 10) spines and 11 to 13 rays that are broadly joined. The anal fin has three spines and nine to 11 rays. The body is olive green on the back with scattered dark mottling. The sides below the lateral blotches are light gray; many scales have dark spots forming horizontal rows. The venter is white. Juveniles have a black spot in the middle of the caudal fin base bordered by bright orange areas. The eyes are usually reddish but not as bright as those of redeye bass.

Distribution

The spotted bass is native to the Mississippi River basin and across the Gulf States, from central Texas through the Florida panhandle. Its native range extends into the western Mid-Atlantic States and it has been introduced into eastern North Carolina and Virginia. It has also been introduced to southern Africa, where it has become established in some isolated waters. It is often mistaken with the similar and more common largemouth bass.

Behavior

Spotted bass collect in schools and have been known to roam in numbers so large they compete with other bass for the food base in a fishery. Spotted bass prefer a combination of current and calm water, although they have adapted to living in large impoundments. Spawning occurs in April and May, often in the mouths of tributary streams. The male guards the nest until the fry have hatched.

Diet

Because they congregate in large schools, spotted bass are opportunistic feeders. The preferred prey is small baitfish such as shad and minnows, although in some habitats they will readily feed on insects and crawfish.

Habitat

Spotted bass usually occur around aquatic vegetation, submerged logs, and rock or riprap walls in small to large flowing streams, rivers, and reservoirs.