A subspecies of largemouth bass endemic to Florida. Grow significantly larger than mainland largemouth — Florida record fish exceeds 20 pounds.

Also called: Florida Largemouth, Florida Bass

Native status: Native to Florida

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 35–75 cm; record 96 cm
Weight2–9 kg; record 13.5 kg
LifespanWild 10–16 years
OrderCentrarchiformes
FamilyCentrarchidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Florida bass is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish, a black bass belonging to the sunfish family Centrarchidae of order Centrarchiformes. It is found in the southeastern United States.

Source: Wikipedia — Florida bass Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Robust bass with horizontal black band along midline; large mouth extending past eye; greenish-gold flanks.

Similar species. Northern Largemouth Bass (related; different range edge). Spotted Bass (different markings).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish, crayfish, frogs, small birds, occasional snakes.

Behavior. Native Florida sub-species/species of largemouth bass; grow significantly larger than the Northern Largemouth. State freshwater fish of Florida. Pure Florida Bass populations exist in central and southern Florida; populations north of Lake Okeechobee are hybridized with Northern Largemouth. World-record largemouth bass came from Florida (and possibly Cuba) — Florida Bass remains the world's most prized largemouth.

§ Range

Florida

§ Habitat

Florida lakes and rivers

§ Threats

Habitat loss, invasive species, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the florida bass is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Florida lake conservation. Practice catch-and-release of trophy fish.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Florida FWC
  • B.A.S.S.
  • American Fisheries Society
  • IUCN Red List 2013