Virginia Living Museum
Largemouth Bass

One of the most sought after species of all fishes is the seemingly ubiquitous largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. The largemouth bass is the largest member of the sunfish family, named for its highly expandable mouth capable of taking in prey as large as ducklings and snakes. Their aggressiveness and voracious appetites make them ideal game-fish; indeed largemouth bass tournament fishing has become a huge industry.

Found in nearly all the lower 48 states, the largemouth is a highly adaptable species, but thrives in the warmer waters of the southeast. Largemouths prefer structure such as deadfalls, aquatic vegetation and even bridge and pier supports. During warmer months, bass are most active during the morning and evening, moving into the shallows to ambush prey. Spawning also takes place in the shallows; the male fans out a saucer-shaped nest in hopes of attracting a mate. After successful external fertilization of eggs, the male then guards the nest from predators. He will continue to do so until the bass larvae, or fry, are large enough to fend for themselves. Young largemouths grow quickly on a diet of small invertebrates, smaller fishes, and crustaceans. Depending upon water temperatures and available prey, bass can reach maturity after a single, year although two to three years is more common.

Largemouth bass are robustly built and attractive fish. Color can vary widely by region and may even change with their habitat. Generally, they are olive colored with a large dark, irregular band along each side, these stripes often becomes enhanced when they are excited. In accordance with their name, they are distinguished from other bass species such as the smallmouth bass Micropterus dolemieui, by the extension of the lower jaw bone (when closed) past the eye. They possess a broad somewhat forked tail, which provides powerful bursts of speed.

Largemouths are excellent fish for public display as they adapt well to a varied diet and are relatively peaceful, though they will occasionally take smaller fishes. Also, they can get large; the world record is over 22lbs, so they must be kept in a large enclosure. The Virginia Living Museum houses many largemouth bass, mainly in our Cypress Swamp Habitarium. They are fed cut smelt, commercial gel diet, and live shiners once a week. Come see some of our large bass and witness them feed during our scheduled feedings every Tuesday and Thursday.

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