largemouth black bass

fish

Also known as: Micropterus salmoides, largemouth bass

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The largemouth black bass, Micropterus salmoides, is a species of freshwater fish belonging to the sunfish family. Native to eastern North America, it is a popular game fish known for its strong fight.12

Key characteristics of the largemouth bass include:
* Appearance: It is typically blackish-green above and lighter below, with a dark horizontal stripe. A distinguishing feature is its large mouth, with the upper jaw extending beyond the eyes.12
* Habitat: This species prefers quiet, weedy lakes and streams.1
* Diet: Largemouth bass primarily feed on smaller fish.1
* Size: They can grow up to about 80 cm (31.5 inches) and weigh up to 10 kg (22 pounds).1

The largemouth bass is one of the most popular game fish in the United States.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

black bass
Two of them, the largemouth and smallmouth basses (M. salmoides and M. dolomieu), have been introduced in other countries and are prized as hard-fighting game fishes.
Read More
Two of them, the largemouth and smallmouth basses (M. salmoides and M. dolomieu), have been introduced in other countries and are prized as hard-fighting game fishes.
Read More

fishing
Recent trends in fishing
…and, in North America, the largemouth bass—the most popular game fish in the United States, so popular that boats for bass fishing are specially designed, and there are numerous tours of professional associations of bass anglers that often have their competitions broadcast on cable television.
Read More
…and, in North America, the largemouth bass—the most popular game fish in the United States, so popular that boats for bass fishing are specially designed, and there are numerous tours of professional associations of bass anglers that often have their competitions broadcast on cable television.
Read More