Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

"Fair Choice" Pet Fair Choice

The Largemouth Bass is a very popular sport fish worldwide. Fast-growing and long-lived, they can grow up to 20 inches long and weigh more than 20 pounds. The species is recognized by its large mouth and greenish body, with a dark, blotchy stripe along each side. Largemouth Bass are efficient predators, eating smaller fish, insects, crayfish, frogs and snakes, and even small bats and birds. Females lay eggs in nests in shallow, warm water. After fertilizing the eggs, the males guard the eggs through hatching, and continue to guard the small fry for about a month, until they can eat and swim on their own.

Largemouth Bass are native to the southeastern United States, but they have been introduced to water bodies all over the world. They are now found throughout the western U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, plus a number of island groups (Hawaii, Mauritius, Fiji, Guam, New Caledonia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Did You Know?

Largemouth Bass have been introduced worldwide for sport fishing.

Source Sustainability Best Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Little Cause for Concern

Largemouth Bass populations appear to be in no danger of extinction. These fish are numerous in their native range and widely commercially cultured for the sport fishing industry. Ponds and lakes throughout the U.S. are regularly stocked. Some management areas have implemented restrictions on fishing during the nesting season, which have been effective in enhancing native (non-stocked) Largemouth Bass populations.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before acquiring a Largemouth Bass check to make sure that they are legal to keep in your state of residence and check for stocking permit requirements. In many states there are strict regulations on raising managed game species such as Largemouth Bass. For example, possession of an undersize Largemouth Bass is illegal in most states.

Invasion Threat Worst Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Significant Cause for Concern

Largemouth Bass have been introduced worldwide for sport fishing. They have become established in Africa, Europe, Japan and Korea, and many parts of North America where they are not native. Largemouth Bass are efficient predators on other fish, and establishment of almost all of these exotic populations has resulted in loss of native wildlife, sometimes putting native fish at risk of extinction.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before obtaining Largemouth Bass, check to make sure that they are legal to keep in your state of residence and check for stocking permit requirements. In many states there are strict regulations on raising managed game species such as Largemouth Bass. For example, possession of an undersize Largemouth Bass is illegal in most states. Always keep your fish inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a fish into the wild.

Animal Welfare Fair Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Some Cause for Concern

Largemouth Bass are hardy fish, and can live in a range of environmental conditions. They are, however, sensitive to cold water, and may become stressed if kept at temperatures below 40°F. Largemouth Bass are large fish that grow quickly; they are not well suited for indoor aquarium tanks.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before acquiring a Largemouth Bass, be sure to research its specific care requirements. Largemouth Bass are better suited to outdoor ponds and will quickly outgrow indoor aquariums. Check to make sure that they are legal to keep in your state of residence and check for stocking permit requirements. In many states there are strict regulations on raising managed game species such as Largemouth Bass. For example, possession of an undersize Largemouth Bass is illegal in most states.

Health Threat Fair Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Some Cause for Concern

Largemouth Bass are known to carry a variety of parasites that may be harmful to fish and to humans. In particular, they can be infested with parasitic nematodes in the genus Gnathostoma. Humans who eat infested fish can be infested with these nematodes; an infestation can cause serious illness and, if left untreated, death.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Due to the potential for disease transmission, always wash your hands after handling a fish or touching the aquarium water. Ask for proof of a clean bill of health and obtain a list of any medical treatments the fish has received.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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