About Ambloplites constellatus Cashner & Suttkus, 1977
The Ozark bass (Ambloplites constellatus) is a relatively slender species of rock bass, with a large eye that has a red iris. Its brownish-green body has an irregular pattern of black speckling. This species reaches a maximum total length of 27.9 centimeters (11.0 inches), while adults are normally around 13.3 centimeters (5.2 inches) long; the maximum published weight for the species is 450 grams (0.99 pounds). Ozark bass are native to the upland Ozark reaches of the White River system in Missouri and Arkansas. They have been introduced to other locations outside this native range, but have not successfully established new populations in those areas. This species lives in creeks and small to medium-sized permanent rivers with high dissolved oxygen levels, abundant aquatic vegetation, low turbidity, and sand or rocky substrate. It prefers clear rocky pools located near banks, boulders, or submerged wood. For spawning, males create nests on gravel or small stone substrates, usually positioned within around one meter of cover. Spawning begins once water temperatures reach 17 °C (63 °F). The male digs a 20–25 centimeter (8–10 inch) diameter nest in sand or gravel, at a depth of 30–150 centimeters (1–5 feet). Females lay their eggs in this nest, and the male guards the nest until the newly hatched fry leave.
