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Similarities Between Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass

The black basses are a collection of seven freshwater game fish species prized by anglers. They are large, long-lived and predatory fish at the top of their food chains. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the two most well-known and heavily studied of the black basses. Though clearly different species when placed side-by-side, many similarities exist between the largemouth and smallmouth bass. The ranges of both of these species are much larger than in the past, thanks mostly to human intervention. Largemouth bass are so popular as game fish that they've been introduced in locations across the globe.

Species Relationship
- In the past, biologists believed that smallmouth and largemouth bass were the only members of the genus Micropterus. They are both noted for relatively large mouths and gills, long dorsal fins and a wide array of possible colors. With both largemouth and smallmouth bass, coloration tends to diminish with age. Both species can live 10 years or more provided conditions are right. Although their habitats overlap, these bass species cannot interbreed.
Habitat
- Bass live in freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers throughout the United States, southern Canada and Mexico. Largemouth bass can now be found in fresh water on every continent except Antarctica and Australia, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. In general, largemouth and smallmouth bass prefer clear, calm water with some protective cover. A rocky or sandy bottom is preferable to mud and clay. However, bass species are quite adaptable, and have made a niche for themselves within several ecosystems. Smallmouth bass prefer water temperatures of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while largemouth bass prefer warmer temperatures.
Feeding
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass are top predators in their environments. Young bass feed on plankton, insect larvae and small bait fish like minnows. As they mature, both species of bass diversify their diets. Largemouth and smallmouth share a taste for crayfish and other invertebrates. Smaller fish are, of course, also on the menu, as bass are highly efficient hunters. For both of these species of bass, their choice of food is dependent on what's available in their location.
Spawning
- Both largemouth and smallmouth bass reproduce in the springtime when water temperatures reach about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The male builds a nest in a quiet, secluded area of water such as submerged timber. The female lays her eggs and is chased away by the male. The male fish takes completely responsibility of the developing eggs. The eggs take from five to 10 days to hatch. The newly hatched fish are called "fry," and the male will guard them for another couple of weeks.

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