A large-eyed bronze panfish related to bluegills — but a fierce stream predator that hides in undercut banks and ambushes minnows. Often called "red-eye" for their crimson irises.

Also called: Redeye, Rock Sunfish, Goggle-eye

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 15–30 cm (6–12 in); record 43 cm
Weight150–700 g; record 1.4 kg
LifespanWild 10–12 years
OrderCentrarchiformes
FamilyCentrarchidae

§ Encyclopedia

The rock bass, also known as the rock perch, goggle-eye, red eye, and black perch, is a freshwater fish native to east-central North America. This red-eyed fish is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Centrarchiformes and can be distinguished from other similar species by the six spines in the anal fin.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky bronze-brown panfish with distinctive bright red eyes; mottled greenish-brown back; dark vertical bars on sides; large mouth.

Similar species. Warmouth (similar but larger gape, southern range). Smallmouth Bass (much larger, more elongate body). Green Sunfish (less mottled, smaller gape).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic insects, crayfish, small fish, other invertebrates.

Behavior. Common in clear cool rivers and lakes of eastern and central North America. Aggressive feeder; will hit nearly any small lure or live bait. Distinctive bright red eyes give the species its "redeye" nickname. Often found near submerged logs and rocky cover. Frequently caught by smallmouth bass anglers as incidental catch; meat is white and edible.

§ Range

Eastern US and Canada

§ Habitat

Rocky-bottomed lakes and clear streams

§ Threats

Siltation from poor agricultural practices, dam construction altering streams, invasive smallmouth competition.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support clean cool streams. Practice catch-and-release. Maintain stream-side buffer strips.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Fisheries Society
  • In-Fisherman Magazine
  • State wildlife agencies
  • IUCN Red List 2013